Energy field three-dimensional printing system

ABSTRACT

Device for printing three-dimensional objects using an energy-field projection system. In operation, energy is projected into a print medium according to a four dimensional (4D) energy-field function for exposing the print-medium to a threshold energy-intensity level that causes the print medium to harden in the shape of a three-dimensional object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/617,293, entitled “Novel Application ofHolographic and Light Field Technology,” filed Jan. 14, 2018, which areboth herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to light field energy systems, andmore specifically, to devices and systems incorporating novel synthesesand applications of holographic and light field technology for printingthree-dimensional objects.

BACKGROUND

The dream of an interactive virtual world within a “holodeck” chamber aspopularized by Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek and originally envisioned byauthor Alexander Moszkowski in the early 1900s has been the inspirationfor science fiction and technological innovation for nearly a century.However, no compelling implementation of this experience exists outsideof literature, media, and the collective imagination of children andadults alike.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are devices and systems for utilizing holographic 4D displaytechnologies to generate an energy function for print three-dimensionalobjects.

In one embodiment, a three-dimensional printing system includes aprint-medium receptacle able to hold a quantity of print medium, anenergy-source system able to provide energy to a plurality of energylocations and having a plurality of energy sources. In one embodiment,the system includes at least one energy-directing system where eachenergy-directing system includes an array of waveguides able to directenergy from the plurality of energy locations along a plurality ofpropagation paths where each propagation paths extends through one of aplurality of energy locations, and where each waveguide is able todirect energy from the plurality of energy locations through thewaveguide along the plurality of propagation paths where eachpropagation path extends from the waveguide in a unique direction atleast determined by one of the plurality of energy locations.

In one embodiment, the system includes a control system in communicationwith the energy-source system and able to cause the array of waveguidesof the at least one energy-directing system to deliver energy at athreshold intensity level to a plurality of selected intersections of aplurality of intersections of the plurality of propagation paths byoperating the plurality of energy sources to provide energy along theplurality of propagation paths, where the print medium is able to reactwhen exposed to energy at the threshold intensity level, and where theplurality of selected intersections define a plurality of interior andexterior surfaces of a three-dimensional (“3D”) object inside thereceptacle.

In one embodiment, the print-medium receptacle rests on a base of apositioning device in communication with the control system, where thecontrol system is able to operate the positioning device to change thelocation of the print-medium receptacle with respect to the at least oneenergy-directing system. In another embodiment, the operation of thepositioning device moves the plurality of selected intersectionsrelative to the print-medium receptacle to further define the pluralityof interior and exterior surfaces of the three-dimensional object. Inone embodiment, the plurality of selected intersections exposes theprint medium to the threshold energy level as the positioning devicemoves the plurality of selected intersections relative to theprint-medium receptacle.

In some embodiments, the positioning device includes a motorizedtranslation stage, a linear translation stage, a rotational stage, or agoniometric stage, among others. In s embodiments, the plurality ofselected intersections is disposed on a volume substantially smallerthan the volume of the print receptacle.

In one embodiment, the control system is able to move the at least oneenergy-directing system thereby moving the plurality of selectedintersections to further define the plurality of interior and exteriorsurfaces of the three-dimensional object. In another embodiment, theplurality of selected intersections exposes the print medium to thethreshold energy as the plurality of selected intersections is moving.In some embodiments, the plurality of selected intersections is disposedon a volume substantially smaller than the volume of the printreceptacle. In one embodiment, the control system is able to operate theplurality of energy sources to reduce the energy delivered to at leastone selected intersection of the plurality of selected intersections tobelow the threshold intensity level. In yet another embodiment, thecontrol system is able to add at least one selected intersection to theplurality of selected intersections by operating the plurality of energysources to increase the energy delivered to at the least one addedselected intersection to the threshold intensity level.

In one embodiment, the location of each waveguide defines atwo-dimensional (2D) spatial coordinate, and where the unique directionof each propagation path at least determined by one of the plurality ofenergy locations includes a 2D angular coordinate, whereby the 2Dspatial coordinate of the location of the waveguide from where eachpropagation path extends and the 2D angular coordinate of eachpropagation path form a four-dimensional (4D) coordinate set for eachpropagation path.

In another embodiment, the control system is able to operate theplurality of energy sources to deliver energy at a threshold intensitylevel to at least one second plurality of selected intersections of theplurality of intersections of the plurality of propagation paths wherethe at least one second plurality of selected intersections furtherdefines the plurality of interior and exterior surfaces of the 3D objectinside the receptacle.

In one embodiment, each waveguide of the array of waveguides includes afirst aperture, and energy directed along each propagation path throughthe waveguide substantially fills the first aperture of the waveguide.In another embodiment, the at least one energy-directing system furtherincludes at least one energy-inhibiting element positioned to limitpropagation of energy that does not extend through the first aperture ofany of the waveguides. In one embodiment, the at least oneenergy-inhibiting element includes a baffle structure for attenuating ormodifying energy on the plurality of propagation paths.

In one embodiment, the print medium includes a liquid photopolymer ableto solidify when exposed to the threshold intensity level. In someembodiments, the print-medium receptacle further includes a drainconfigured to permit unexposed liquid photopolymer to drain out of theprint-medium receptacle thereby forming a three-dimensional object outof hardened liquid photopolymer exposed to the threshold intensitylevel. In some embodiments, the plurality of selected intersections isdetermined by a four dimensional light field function.

In one embodiment, the energy-source system further includes at leastone relay system, where the at least one relay system includes one ormore relay elements, where the one or more relay elements includes afirst surface and a second surface, each relay of the or more relayelements able to direct energy emitted by one or more energy sourcesfrom the first surface through the relay to a subset of energy locationsof the plurality of energy locations disposed on the second surface.

In some embodiments, the second surfaces of the one or more relayelements are arranged to form a singular seamless energy surface. Insome embodiments, the waveguide array is assembled from a plurality ofmodular 4D energy-field packages where each modular 4D energy-fieldpackage includes at least one waveguide of the waveguide array, and asubset of energy locations of the plurality of energy locations. In yetanother embodiment, the at least one energy-directing system includestwo energy-directing systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating design parameters for anenergy directing system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy system having anactive device area with a mechanical envelope;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy relay system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of energy relayelements adhered together and fastened to a base structure;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a relayedimage through multi-core optical fibers;

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a relayedimage through an optical relay that exhibits the properties of theTransverse Anderson Localization principle;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing rays propagated from an energysurface to a viewer;

FIG. 7A illustrates a cutaway view of a flexible energy relay whichachieves Transverse Anderson Localization by intermixing two componentmaterials within an oil or liquid, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 7B illustrates a cutaway view of a rigid energy relay whichachieves Transverse Anderson Localization by intermixing two componentmaterials within a bonding agent, and in doing so, achieves a path ofminimum variation in one direction for one critical material property,in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cutaway view in the transverse plane the inclusionof a DEMA (dimensional extra mural absorption) material in thelongitudinal direction designed to absorb energy, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of three display devices which eachcomprise an active display area dimension and a mechanical envelope;

FIG. 10 features five display devices which each comprise active displayareas and mechanical envelopes, used with a beam splitter;

FIG. 11 is a side view illustration of a methodology where 3 beamsplitters are leveraged to accommodate a mechanical envelope;

FIG. 12 highlights this relationship between the mechanical enveloperatio, the minimum focus distance and the maximum image offset as wellas the percent of overlap between individual tiled images;

FIG. 13 is a top view illustration of an embodiment with threeprojection devices arranged in an arc;

FIG. 14 illustrates a tapered energy relay mosaic arrangement;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an energy relay element stackcomprising of two compound optical relay tapers in series;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an energydirecting device where energy relay element stacks are arranged in an8×4 array to form a singular seamless energy directing surface;

FIG. 17 contains several views of an energy directing device.

FIG. 18 contains a close-up view of the side view from FIG. 17 of theenergy directing device;

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of an embodiment where energy relayelement stacks are angled inward to a known point in space;

FIG. 20 is a top view illustration of an embodiment where the seamlessenergy surface is a display formed by tapered optical relays, while thedisplay devices and the mechanical envelopes for the display electronicsare located a distance away from the tapered relays;

FIG. 21 is a side view illustration of an embodiment wherein a seamlessdisplay surface is composed of nine tapered optical relays;

FIG. 22 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an embodiment of anenergy waveguide system operable to define a plurality of energypropagation paths;

FIG. 23 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 39;

FIGS. 24A-H illustrate various embodiments of an energy inhibitingelement;

FIG. 25 illustrates an additional embodiment of an energy waveguidesystem;

FIG. 26 illustrates an additional embodiment of an energy waveguidesystem;

FIG. 27 highlights the differences between square packing, hex packingand irregular packing for energy waveguide design considerations;

FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment featuring an array of energywaveguides arranged in a curved configuration;

FIG. 29 illustrates an embodiment that highlights how a waveguideelement may affect a spatial distribution of energy passingtherethrough;

FIG. 30 illustrates an additional embodiment which further highlightshow a waveguide element may affect a spatial distribution of energypassing therethrough;

FIG. 31 illustrates an embodiment wherein the plurality of energywaveguides comprise diffractive waveguide elements;

FIG. 32 illustrates a lenslet configuration used to provide full densityof ray illumination for the desired angle of view.

FIGS. 33A-33D illustrate four perspective views of tiling multipleenergy systems to form a seamless environment, in accordance with fourembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33E illustrates the curved waveguide surface and energy devices ofan energy waveguide system, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 34A illustrates a waveguide element exhibiting a non-regulardistribution of energy, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 34B illustrates an orthogonal view of a table-mounted energywaveguide system, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 34C illustrates an orthogonal view of a table-mounted waveguidesystem with an additional reflective waveguide elements, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 illustrates an orthogonal view of a floor-mounted tiled energywaveguide system, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 36 illustrates an orthogonal view of a spherical structure where aviewing volume is surrounded by tiled energy waveguide systems, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 illustrate an orthogonal view of five viewer locations within aviewing volume and five energy coordinates under each waveguide topropagate a plurality of rays to each viewer location that is unique toa single viewer location, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 38A illustrates an energy relay combining device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38B illustrates a further embodiment of FIG. 55A, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38C illustrates an orthogonal view of an implementation of anenergy waveguide system, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 39 illustrates an orthogonal view of another implementation of anenergy waveguide system, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 40 illustrates an orthogonal view of yet another implementation, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41, FIG. 41A, and FIG. 41B illustrate an embodiment of athree-dimensional printing system;

FIGS. 42A and 42B illustrates an embodiment of a three-dimensionalprinting system with a positional device;

FIGS. 43A and 43B demonstrate one of the embodiments of thethree-dimensional printing system that allows additional selectedintersections;

FIG. 44 illustrates an embodiment of a three-dimensional printing systemwith a mobile energy-directing system; and

FIG. 45 illustrates an embodiment of a three-dimensional printing systemwith two energy-directing systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of a Holodeck (collectively called “Holodeck DesignParameters”) provide sufficient energy stimulus to fool the humansensory receptors into believing that received energy impulses within avirtual, social and interactive environment are real, providing: 1)binocular disparity without external accessories, head-mounted eyewear,or other peripherals; 2) accurate motion parallax, occlusion and opacitythroughout a viewing volume simultaneously for any number of viewers; 3)visual focus through synchronous convergence, accommodation and miosisof the eye for all perceived rays of light; and 4) converging energywave propagation of sufficient density and resolution to exceed thehuman sensory “resolution” for vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell,and/or balance.

Based upon conventional technology to date, we are decades, if notcenturies away from a technology capable of providing for all receptivefields in a compelling way as suggested by the Holodeck DesignParameters including the visual, auditory, somatosensory, gustatory,olfactory, and vestibular systems.

In this disclosure, the terms light field and holographic may be usedinterchangeably to define the energy propagation for stimulation of anysensory receptor response. While initial disclosures may refer toexamples of electromagnetic and mechanical energy propagation throughenergy surfaces for holographic imagery and volumetric haptics, allforms of sensory receptors are envisioned in this disclosure.Furthermore, the principles disclosed herein for energy propagationalong propagation paths may be applicable to both energy emission andenergy capture.

Many technologies exist today that are often unfortunately confused withholograms including lenticular printing, Pepper's Ghost, glasses-freestereoscopic displays, horizontal parallax displays, head-mounted VR andAR displays (HMD), and other such illusions generalized as“fauxlography.” These technologies may exhibit some of the desiredproperties of a true holographic display; however, lack the ability tostimulate the human visual sensory response in any way sufficient toaddress at least two of the four identified Holodeck Design Parameters.

These challenges have not been successfully implemented by conventionaltechnology to produce a seamless energy surface sufficient forholographic energy propagation. There are various approaches toimplementing volumetric and direction multiplexed light field displaysincluding parallax barriers, hogels, voxels, diffractive optics,multi-view projection, holographic diffusers, rotational mirrors,multilayered displays, time sequential displays, head mounted display,etc., however, conventional approaches may involve a compromise on imagequality, resolution, angular sampling density, size, cost, safety, framerate, etc., ultimately resulting in an unviable technology.

To achieve the Holodeck Design Parameters for the visual, auditory,somatosensory systems, the human acuity of each of the respectivesystems is studied and understood to propagate energy waves tosufficiently fool the human sensory receptors. The visual system iscapable of resolving to approximately 1 arc min, the auditory system maydistinguish the difference in placement as little as three degrees, andthe somatosensory system at the hands is capable of discerning pointsseparated by 2-12 mm. While there are various and conflicting ways tomeasure these acuities, these values are sufficient to understand thesystems and methods to stimulate perception of energy propagation.

Of the noted sensory receptors, the human visual system is by far themost sensitive given that even a single photon can induce sensation. Forthis reason, much of this introduction will focus on visual energy wavepropagation, and vastly lower resolution energy systems coupled within adisclosed energy waveguide surface may converge appropriate signals toinduce holographic sensory perception. Unless otherwise noted, alldisclosures apply to all energy and sensory domains.

When calculating for effective design parameters of the energypropagation for the visual system given a viewing volume and viewingdistance, a desired energy surface may be designed to include manygigapixels of effective energy location density. For wide viewingvolumes, or near field viewing, the design parameters of a desiredenergy surface may include hundreds of gigapixels or more of effectiveenergy location density. By comparison, a desired energy source may bedesigned to have 1 to 250 effective megapixels of energy locationdensity for ultrasonic propagation of volumetric haptics or an array of36 to 3,600 effective energy locations for acoustic propagation ofholographic sound depending on input environmental variables. What isimportant to note is that with a disclosed bi-directional energy surfacearchitecture, all components may be configured to form the appropriatestructures for any energy domain to enable holographic propagation.

However, the main challenge to enable the Holodeck today involvesavailable visual technologies and electromagnetic device limitations.Acoustic and ultrasonic devices are less challenging given the orders ofmagnitude difference in desired density based upon sensory acuity in therespective receptive field, although the complexity should not beunderestimated. While holographic emulsion exists with resolutionsexceeding the desired density to encode interference patterns in staticimagery, state-of-the-art display devices are limited by resolution,data throughput and manufacturing feasibility. To date, no singulardisplay device has been able to meaningfully produce a light fieldhaving near holographic resolution for visual acuity.

Production of a single silicon-based device capable of meeting thedesired resolution for a compelling light field display may notpractical and may involve extremely complex fabrication processes beyondthe current manufacturing capabilities. The limitation to tilingmultiple existing display devices together involves the seams and gapformed by the physical size of packaging, electronics, enclosure, opticsand a number of other challenges that inevitably result in an unviabletechnology from an imaging, cost and/or a size standpoint.

The embodiments disclosed herein may provide a real-world path tobuilding the Holodeck.

Example embodiments will now be described hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and whichillustrate example embodiments which may be practiced. As used in thedisclosures and the appended claims, the terms “embodiment”, “exampleembodiment”, and “exemplary embodiment” do not necessarily refer to asingle embodiment, although they may, and various example embodimentsmay be readily combined and interchanged, without departing from thescope or spirit of example embodiments. Furthermore, the terminology asused herein is for the purpose of describing example embodiments onlyand is not intended to be limitations. In this respect, as used herein,the term “in” may include “in” and “on”, and the terms “a,” “an” and“the” may include singular and plural references. Furthermore, as usedherein, the term “by” may also mean “from”, depending on the context.Furthermore, as used herein, the term “if” may also mean “when” or“upon,” depending on the context. Furthermore, as used herein, the words“and/or” may refer to and encompass any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

Holographic System Considerations Overview of Light Field EnergyPropagation Resolution

Light field and holographic display is the result of a plurality ofprojections where energy surface locations provide angular, color andintensity information propagated within a viewing volume. The disclosedenergy surface provides opportunities for additional information tocoexist and propagate through the same surface to induce other sensorysystem responses. Unlike a stereoscopic display, the viewed position ofthe converged energy propagation paths in space do not vary as theviewer moves around the viewing volume and any number of viewers maysimultaneously see propagated objects in real-world space as if it wastruly there. In some embodiments, the propagation of energy may belocated in the same energy propagation path but in opposite directions.For example, energy emission and energy capture along an energypropagation path are both possible in some embodiments of the presentdisclosed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating variables relevant forstimulation of sensory receptor response. These variables may includesurface diagonal 101, surface width 102, surface height 103, adetermined target seating distance 118, the target seating field of viewfield of view from the center of the display 104, the number ofintermediate samples demonstrated here as samples between the eyes 105,the average adult inter-ocular separation 106, the average resolution ofthe human eye in arcmin 107, the horizontal field of view formed betweenthe target viewer location and the surface width 108, the vertical fieldof view formed between the target viewer location and the surface height109, the resultant horizontal waveguide element resolution, or totalnumber of elements, across the surface 110, the resultant verticalwaveguide element resolution, or total number of elements, across thesurface 111, the sample distance based upon the inter-ocular spacingbetween the eyes and the number of intermediate samples for angularprojection between the eyes 112, the angular sampling may be based uponthe sample distance and the target seating distance 113, the totalresolution Horizontal per waveguide element derived from the angularsampling desired 114, the total resolution Vertical per waveguideelement derived from the angular sampling desired 115, device Horizontalis the count of the determined number of discreet energy sources desired116, and device Vertical is the count of the determined number ofdiscreet energy sources desired 117.

A method to understand the desired minimum resolution may be based uponthe following criteria to ensure sufficient stimulation of visual (orother) sensory receptor response: surface size (e.g., 84″ diagonal),surface aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9), seating distance (e.g., 128″ from thedisplay), seating field of view (e.g., 120 degrees or +/−60 degreesabout the center of the display), desired intermediate samples at adistance (e.g., one additional propagation path between the eyes), theaverage inter-ocular separation of an adult (approximately 65 mm), andthe average resolution of the human eye (approximately 1 arcmin). Theseexample values should be considered placeholders depending on thespecific application design parameters.

Further, each of the values attributed to the visual sensory receptorsmay be replaced with other systems to determine desired propagation pathparameters. For other energy propagation embodiments, one may considerthe auditory system's angular sensitivity as low as three degrees andthe somatosensory system's spatial resolution of the hands as small as2-12 mm.

While there are various and conflicting ways to measure these sensoryacuities, these values are sufficient to understand the systems andmethods to stimulate perception of virtual energy propagation. There aremany ways to consider the design resolution, and the below proposedmethodology combines pragmatic product considerations with thebiological resolving limits of the sensory systems. As will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the following overviewis a simplification of any such system design, and should be consideredfor exemplary purposes only.

With the resolution limit of the sensory system understood, the totalenergy waveguide element density may be calculated such that thereceiving sensory system cannot discern a single energy waveguideelement from an adjacent element, given:

${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Aspect}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = \frac{{Width}\mspace{14mu} (W)}{{Height}\mspace{14mu} (H)}$${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Size}} = {{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Diagonal}*\left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{\left( {1 + \left( \frac{H}{W} \right)^{2}} \right.}} \right)}$${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {Size}} = {{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Diagonal}*\left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{\left( {1 + \left( \frac{H}{W} \right)^{2}} \right.}} \right)}$${{Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Field}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {View}} = {2*{{atan}\left( \frac{{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Size}}{2*{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} \right)}}$${{Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {Field}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {View}} = {2*{{atan}\left( \frac{{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {Size}}{2*{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} \right)}}$${{Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Element}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}} = {{Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {FoV}*\frac{60}{{Eye}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}}}$${{Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {Element}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}} = {{Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {FoV}*\frac{60}{{Eye}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}}}$

The above calculations result in approximately a 32×18° field of viewresulting in approximately 1920×1080 (rounded to nearest format) energywaveguide elements being desired. One may also constrain the variablessuch that the field of view is consistent for both (u, v) to provide amore regular spatial sampling of energy locations (e.g. pixel aspectratio). The angular sampling of the system assumes a defined targetviewing volume location and additional propagated energy paths betweentwo points at the optimized distance, given:

${{Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} = \frac{{Inter}\text{-}{Ocular}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}}{\left( {{{Number}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Desired}\mspace{14mu} {Intermediate}\mspace{14mu} {Samples}} + 1} \right)}$${{Angular}\mspace{14mu} {Sampling}} = {{atan}\left( \frac{{Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}}{{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} \right)}$

In this case, the inter-ocular distance is leveraged to calculate thesample distance although any metric may be leveraged to account forappropriate number of samples as a given distance. With the abovevariables considered, approximately one ray per 0.57° may be desired andthe total system resolution per independent sensory system may bedetermined, given:

${{Locations}\mspace{14mu} {Per}\mspace{14mu} {{Element}(N)}} = \frac{{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {FoV}}{{Angular}\mspace{14mu} {Sampling}}$Total  Resolution  H = N * Horizontal  Element  ResolutionTotal  Resolution  V = N * Vertical  Element  Resolution

With the above scenario given the size of energy surface and the angularresolution addressed for the visual acuity system, the resultant energysurface may desirably include approximately 400 k×225 k pixels of energyresolution locations, or 90 gigapixels holographic propagation density.These variables provided are for exemplary purposes only and many othersensory and energy metrology considerations should be considered for theoptimization of holographic propagation of energy. In an additionalembodiment, 1 gigapixel of energy resolution locations may be desiredbased upon the input variables. In an additional embodiment, 1,000gigapixels of energy resolution locations may be desired based upon theinput variables.

Current Technology Limitations Active Area, Device Electronics,Packaging, and the Mechanical Envelope

FIG. 2 illustrates a device 200 having an active area 220 with a certainmechanical form factor. The device 200 may include drivers 230 andelectronics 240 for powering and interface to the active area 220, theactive area having a dimension as shown by the x and y arrows. Thisdevice 200 does not take into account the cabling and mechanicalstructures to drive, power and cool components, and the mechanicalfootprint may be further minimized by introducing a flex cable into thedevice 200. The minimum footprint for such a device 200 may also bereferred to as a mechanical envelope 210 having a dimension as shown bythe M:x and M:y arrows. This device 200 is for illustration purposesonly and custom electronics designs may further decrease the mechanicalenvelope overhead, but in almost all cases may not be the exact size ofthe active area of the device. In an embodiment, this device 200illustrates the dependency of electronics as it relates to active imagearea 220 for a micro OLED, DLP chip or LCD panel, or any othertechnology with the purpose of image illumination.

In some embodiments, it may also be possible to consider otherprojection technologies to aggregate multiple images onto a largeroverall display. However, this may come at the cost of greatercomplexity for throw distance, minimum focus, optical quality, uniformfield resolution, chromatic aberration, thermal properties, calibration,alignment, additional size or form factor. For most practicalapplications, hosting tens or hundreds of these projection sources 200may result in a design that is much larger with less reliability.

For exemplary purposes only, assuming energy devices with an energylocation density of 3840×2160 sites, one may determine the number ofindividual energy devices (e.g., device 100) desired for an energysurface, given:

${{Devices}\mspace{14mu} H} = \frac{{Total}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} H}{{Device}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} H}$${{Devices}\mspace{14mu} V} = \frac{{Total}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} V}{{Device}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} V}$

Given the above resolution considerations, approximately 105×105 devicessimilar to those shown in FIG. 2 may be desired. It should be noted thatmany devices consist of various pixel structures that may or may not mapto a regular grid. In the event that there are additional sub-pixels orlocations within each full pixel, these may be exploited to generateadditional resolution or angular density. Additional signal processingmay be used to determine how to convert the light field into the correct(u,v) coordinates depending on the specified location of the pixelstructure(s) and can be an explicit characteristic of each device thatis known and calibrated. Further, other energy domains may involve adifferent handling of these ratios and device structures, and thoseskilled in the art will understand the direct intrinsic relationshipbetween each of the desired frequency domains. This will be shown anddiscussed in more detail in subsequent disclosure.

The resulting calculation may be used to understand how many of theseindividual devices may be desired to produce a full resolution energysurface. In this case, approximately 105×105 or approximately 11,080devices may be desired to achieve the visual acuity threshold. Thechallenge and novelty exists within the fabrication of a seamless energysurface from these available energy locations for sufficient sensoryholographic propagation.

Summary of Seamless Energy Surfaces: Configurations and Designs forArrays of Energy Relays

In some embodiments, approaches are disclosed to address the challengeof generating high energy location density from an array of individualdevices without seams due to the limitation of mechanical structure forthe devices. In an embodiment, an energy propagating relay system mayallow for an increase in the effective size of the active device area tomeet or exceed the mechanical dimensions to configure an array of relaysand form a singular seamless energy surface.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of such an energy relay system 300. Asshown, the relay system 300 may include a device 310 mounted to amechanical envelope 320, with an energy relay element 330 propagatingenergy from the device 310. The relay element 330 may be configured toprovide the ability to mitigate any gaps 340 that may be produced whenmultiple mechanical envelopes 320 of the device are placed into an arrayof multiple devices 310.

For example, if a device's active area 310 is 20 mm×10 mm and themechanical envelope 320 is 40 mm×20 mm, an energy relay element 330 maybe designed with a magnification of 2:1 to produce a tapered form thatis approximately 20 mm×10 mm on a minified end (arrow A) and 40 mm×20 mmon a magnified end (arrow B), providing the ability to align an array ofthese elements 330 together seamlessly without altering or collidingwith the mechanical envelope 320 of each device 310. Mechanically, therelay elements 330 may be bonded or fused together to align and polishensuring minimal seam gap 340 between devices 310. In one suchembodiment, it is possible to achieve a seam gap 340 smaller than thevisual acuity limit of the eye.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a base structure 400 having energyrelay elements 410 formed together and securely fastened to anadditional mechanical structure 430. The mechanical structure of theseamless energy surface 420 provides the ability to couple multipleenergy relay elements 410, 450 in series to the same base structurethrough bonding or other mechanical processes to mount relay elements410, 450. In some embodiments, each relay element 410 may be fused,bonded, adhered, pressure fit, aligned or otherwise attached together toform the resultant seamless energy surface 420. In some embodiments, adevice 480 may be mounted to the rear of the relay element 410 andaligned passively or actively to ensure appropriate energy locationalignment within the determined tolerance is maintained.

In an embodiment, the seamless energy surface comprises one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay element stacks comprise afirst and second side and each energy relay element stack is arranged toform a singular seamless display surface directing energy alongpropagation paths extending between one or more energy locations and theseamless display surface, and where the separation between the edges ofany two adjacent second sides of the terminal energy relay elements isless than the minimum perceptible contour as defined by the visualacuity of a human eye having better than 20/40 vision at a distancegreater than the width of the singular seamless display surface.

In an embodiment, each of the seamless energy surfaces comprise one ormore energy relay elements each with one or more structures forming afirst and second surface with a transverse and longitudinal orientation.The first relay surface has an area different than the second resultingin positive or negative magnification and configured with explicitsurface contours for both the first and second surfaces passing energythrough the second relay surface to substantially fill a +/−10-degreeangle with respect to the normal of the surface contour across theentire second relay surface.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle energy relay, or between multiple energy relays to direct one ormore sensory holographic energy propagation paths including visual,acoustic, tactile or other energy domains. In an embodiment, theseamless energy surface is configured with energy relays that comprisetwo or more first sides for each second side to both receive and emitone or more energy domains simultaneously to provide bi-directionalenergy propagation throughout the system. In an embodiment, the energyrelays are provided as loose coherent elements.

Introduction to Component Engineered Structures Disclosed Advances inTransverse Anderson Localization Energy Relays

The properties of energy relays may be significantly optimized accordingto the principles disclosed herein for energy relay elements that induceTransverse Anderson Localization. Transverse Anderson Localization isthe propagation of a ray transported through a transversely disorderedbut longitudinally consistent material.

This implies that the effect of the materials that produce the AndersonLocalization phenomena may be less impacted by total internal reflectionthan by the randomization between multiple-scattering paths where waveinterference can completely limit the propagation in the transverseorientation while continuing in the longitudinal orientation.

Of significant additional benefit is the elimination of the cladding oftraditional multi-core optical fiber materials. The cladding is tofunctionally eliminate the scatter of energy between fibers, butsimultaneously act as a barrier to rays of energy thereby reducingtransmission by at least the core to clad ratio (e.g., a core to cladratio of 70:30 will transmit at best 70% of received energytransmission) and additionally forms a strong pixelated patterning inthe propagated energy.

FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of an example of one such non-AndersonLocalization energy relay 500, wherein an image is relayed throughmulti-core optical fibers where pixilation and fiber noise may beexhibited due to the intrinsic properties of the optical fibers. Withtraditional multi-mode and multi-core optical fibers, relayed images maybe intrinsically pixelated due to the properties of total internalreflection of the discrete array of cores where any cross-talk betweencores will reduce the modulation transfer function and increaseblurring. The resulting imagery produced with traditional multi-coreoptical fiber tends to have a residual fixed noise fiber pattern similarto those shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5B, illustrates an example of the same relayed image 550 through anenergy relay comprising materials that exhibit the properties ofTransverse Anderson Localization, where the relayed pattern has agreater density grain structures as compared to the fixed fiber patternfrom FIG. 5A. In an embodiment, relays comprising randomized microscopiccomponent engineered structures induce Transverse Anderson Localizationand transport light more efficiently with higher propagation ofresolvable resolution than commercially available multi-mode glassoptical fibers.

In an embodiment, a relay element exhibiting Transverse AndersonLocalization may comprise a plurality of at least two differentcomponent engineered structures in each of three orthogonal planesarranged in a dimensional lattice and the plurality of structures formrandomized distributions of material wave propagation properties in atransverse plane within the dimensional lattice and channels of similarvalues of material wave propagation properties in a longitudinal planewithin the dimensional lattice, wherein energy waves propagating throughthe energy relay have higher transport efficiency in the longitudinalorientation versus the transverse orientation and are spatiallylocalized in the transverse orientation.

In an embodiment, a randomized distribution of material wave propagationproperties in a transverse plane within the dimensional lattice may leadto undesirable configurations due to the randomized nature of thedistribution. A randomized distribution of material wave propagationproperties may induce Anderson Localization of energy on average acrossthe entire transverse plane; however limited areas of similar materialwave propagation properties may form inadvertently as a result of theuncontrolled random distribution. For example, if the size of theselocal areas of similar wave propagation properties become too largerelative to their intended energy transport domain, there may be apotential reduction in the efficiency of energy transport through thematerial.

In an embodiment, a relay may be formed from a randomized distributionof component engineered structures to transport visible light of acertain wavelength range by inducing Transverse Anderson Localization ofthe light. However, due to their random distribution, the structures mayinadvertently arrange such that a continuous area of a single componentengineered structure forms across the transverse plane which is multipletimes larger than the wavelength of visible light. As a result, visiblelight propagating along the longitudinal axis of the large, continuous,single-material region may experience a lessened Transverse AndersonLocalization effect and may suffer degradation of transport efficiencythrough the relay.

In an embodiment, it may be desirable to design an ordered distributionof material wave propagation properties in the transverse plane of anenergy relay material. Such an ordered distribution would ideally inducean energy localization effect through methods similar to TransverseAnderson Localization, while minimizing potential reductions intransport efficiency due to abnormally distributed material propertiesinherently resulting from a random property distribution. Using anordered distribution of material wave propagation properties to induce atransverse energy localization effect similar to that of TransverseAnderson Localization in an energy relay element will hereafter bereferred to as Ordered Energy Localization.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle, or between multiple Ordered Energy Localization energy relays todirect one or more sensory holographic energy propagation pathsincluding visual, acoustic, tactile or other energy domains. In anembodiment, the seamless energy surface is configured with OrderedEnergy Localization energy relays that comprise two or more first sidesfor each second side to both receive and emit one or more energy domainssimultaneously to provide bi-directional energy propagation throughoutthe system. In an embodiment, the Ordered Energy Localization energyrelays are configured as loose coherent or flexible energy relayelements.

Considerations for 4D Plenoptic Functions Selective Propagation ofEnergy Through Holographic Waveguide Arrays

As discussed above and herein throughout, a light field display systemgenerally includes an energy source (e.g., illumination source) and aseamless energy surface configured with sufficient energy locationdensity as articulated in the above discussion. A plurality of relayelements may be used to relay energy from the energy devices to theseamless energy surface. Once energy has been delivered to the seamlessenergy surface with the requisite energy location density, the energycan be propagated in accordance with a 4D plenoptic function through adisclosed energy waveguide system. As will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art, a 4D plenoptic function is well known in theart and will not be elaborated further herein.

The energy waveguide system selectively propagates energy through aplurality of energy locations along the seamless energy surfacerepresenting the spatial coordinate of the 4D plenoptic function with astructure configured to alter an angular direction of the energy wavespassing through representing the angular component of the 4D plenopticfunction, wherein the energy waves propagated may converge in space inaccordance with a plurality of propagation paths directed by the 4Dplenoptic function.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 illustrating an example of light fieldenergy surface in 4D image space in accordance with a 4D plenopticfunction. The figure shows ray traces of an energy surface 600 to aviewer 620 in describing how the rays of energy converge in space 630from various positions within the viewing volume. As shown, eachwaveguide element 610 defines four dimensions of information describingenergy propagation 640 through the energy surface 600. Two spatialdimensions (herein referred to as x and y) are the physical plurality ofenergy locations that can be viewed in image space, and the angularcomponents theta and phi (herein referred to as u and v), which isviewed in virtual space when projected through the energy waveguidearray. In general, and in accordance with a 4D plenoptic function, theplurality of waveguides (e.g., lenslets) are able to direct an energylocation from the x, y dimension to a unique location in virtual space,along a direction defined by the u, v angular component, in forming theholographic or light field system described herein.

However, one skilled in the art will understand that a significantchallenge to light field and holographic display technologies arisesfrom uncontrolled propagation of energy due designs that have notaccurately accounted for any of diffraction, scatter, diffusion, angulardirection, calibration, focus, collimation, curvature, uniformity,element cross-talk, as well as a multitude of other parameters thatcontribute to decreased effective resolution as well as an inability toaccurately converge energy with sufficient fidelity.

In an embodiment, an approach to selective energy propagation foraddressing challenges associated with holographic display may includeenergy inhibiting elements and substantially filling waveguide apertureswith near-collimated energy into an environment defined by a 4Dplenoptic function.

In an embodiment, an array of energy waveguides may define a pluralityof energy propagation paths for each waveguide element configured toextend through and substantially fill the waveguide element's effectiveaperture in unique directions defined by a prescribed 4D function to aplurality of energy locations along a seamless energy surface inhibitedby one or more elements positioned to limit propagation of each energylocation to only pass through a single waveguide element.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle, or between multiple energy waveguides to direct one or moresensory holographic energy propagations including visual, acoustic,tactile or other energy domains. In an embodiment, the energy waveguidesand seamless energy surface are configured to both receive and emit oneor more energy domains to provide bi-directional energy propagationthroughout the system.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configured to propagatenon-linear or non-regular distributions of energy, includingnon-transmitting void regions, leveraging digitally encoded,diffractive, refractive, reflective, grin, holographic, Fresnel, or thelike waveguide configurations for any seamless energy surfaceorientation including wall, table, floor, ceiling, room, or othergeometry based environments. In an additional embodiment, an energywaveguide element may be configured to produce various geometries thatprovide any surface profile and/or tabletop viewing allowing users toview holographic imagery from all around the energy surface in a360-degree configuration.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide array elements may be reflectivesurfaces and the arrangement of the elements may be hexagonal, square,irregular, semi-regular, curved, non-planar, spherical, cylindrical,tilted regular, tilted irregular, spatially varying and/ormulti-layered.

For any component within the seamless energy surface, waveguide, orrelay components may include, but not limited to, optical fiber,silicon, glass, polymer, optical relays, diffractive, holographic,refractive, or reflective elements, optical face plates, energycombiners, beam splitters, prisms, polarization elements, spatial lightmodulators, active pixels, liquid crystal cells, transparent displays,or any similar materials exhibiting Anderson localization or totalinternal reflection.

Realizing the Holodeck Aggregation of Bi-directional Seamless EnergySurface Systems to Stimulate Human Sensory Receptors within HolographicEnvironments

It is possible to construct large-scale environments of seamless energysurface systems by tiling, fusing, bonding, attaching, and/or stitchingmultiple seamless energy surfaces together forming arbitrary sizes,shapes, contours or form-factors including entire rooms. Each energysurface system may comprise an assembly having a base structure, energysurface, relays, waveguide, devices, and electronics, collectivelyconfigured for bi-directional holographic energy propagation, emission,reflection, or sensing.

In an embodiment, an environment of tiled seamless energy systems areaggregated to form large seamless planar or curved walls includinginstallations comprising up to all surfaces in a given environment, andconfigured as any combination of seamless, discontinuous planar,faceted, curved, cylindrical, spherical, geometric, or non-regulargeometries.

In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of planar surfaces form wall-sizedsystems for theatrical or venue-based holographic entertainment. In anembodiment, aggregated tiles of planar surfaces cover a room with fourto six walls including both ceiling and floor for cave-based holographicinstallations. In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of curved surfacesproduce a cylindrical seamless environment for immersive holographicinstallations. In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of seamless sphericalsurfaces form a holographic dome for immersive Holodeck-basedexperiences.

In an embodiment, aggregate tiles of seamless curved energy waveguidesprovide mechanical edges following the precise pattern along theboundary of energy inhibiting elements within the energy waveguidestructure to bond, align, or fuse the adjacent tiled mechanical edges ofthe adjacent waveguide surfaces, resulting in a modular and seamlessenergy waveguide system.

In a further embodiment of an aggregated tiled environment, energy ispropagated bi-directionally for multiple simultaneous energy domains. Inan additional embodiment, the energy surface provides the ability toboth display and capture simultaneously from the same energy surfacewith waveguides designed such that light field data may be projected byan illumination source through the waveguide and simultaneously receivedthrough the same energy surface. In an additional embodiment, additionaldepth sensing and active scanning technologies may be leveraged to allowfor the interaction between the energy propagation and the viewer incorrect world coordinates. In an additional embodiment, the energysurface and waveguide are operable to emit, reflect, or convergefrequencies to induce tactile sensation or volumetric haptic feedback.In some embodiments, any combination of bi-directional energypropagation and aggregated surfaces are possible.

In an embodiment, the system comprises an energy waveguide capable ofbi-directional emission and sensing of energy through the energy surfacewith one or more energy devices independently paired withtwo-or-more-path energy combiners to pair at least two energy devices tothe same portion of the seamless energy surface, or one or more energydevices are secured behind the energy surface, proximate to anadditional component secured to the base structure, or to a location infront and outside of the FOV of the waveguide for off-axis direct orreflective projection or sensing, and the resulting energy surfaceprovides for bi-directional transmission of energy allowing thewaveguide to converge energy, a first device to emit energy and a seconddevice to sense energy, and where the information is processed toperform computer vision related tasks including, but not limited to, 4Dplenoptic eye and retinal tracking or sensing of interference withinpropagated energy patterns, depth estimation, proximity, motiontracking, image, color, or sound formation, or other energy frequencyanalysis. In an additional embodiment, the tracked positions activelycalculate and modify positions of energy based upon the interferencebetween the bi-directional captured data and projection information.

In some embodiments, a plurality of combinations of three energy devicescomprising an ultrasonic sensor, a visible electromagnetic display, andan ultrasonic emitting device are configured together for each of threefirst relay surfaces propagating energy combined into a single secondenergy relay surface with each of the three first surfaces comprisingengineered properties specific to each device's energy domain, and twoengineered waveguide elements configured for ultrasonic andelectromagnetic energy respectively to provide the ability to direct andconverge each device's energy independently and substantially unaffectedby the other waveguide elements that are configured for a separateenergy domain.

In some embodiments, disclosed is a calibration procedure to enableefficient manufacturing to remove system artifacts and produce ageometric mapping of the resultant energy surface for use withencoding/decoding technologies as well as dedicated integrated systemsfor the conversion of data into calibrated information appropriate forenergy propagation based upon the calibrated configuration files.

In some embodiments, additional energy waveguides in series and one ormore energy devices may be integrated into a system to produce opaqueholographic pixels.

In some embodiments, additional waveguide elements may be integratedcomprising energy inhibiting elements, beam-splitters, prisms, activeparallax barriers or polarization technologies in order to providespatial and/or angular resolutions greater than the diameter of thewaveguide or for other super-resolution purposes.

In some embodiments, the disclosed energy system may also be configuredas a wearable bi-directional device, such as virtual reality (VR) oraugmented reality (AR). In other embodiments, the energy system mayinclude adjustment optical element(s) that cause the displayed orreceived energy to be focused proximate to a determined plane in spacefor a viewer. In some embodiments, the waveguide array may beincorporated to holographic head-mounted-display. In other embodiments,the system may include multiple optical paths to allow for the viewer tosee both the energy system and a real-world environment (e.g.,transparent holographic display). In these instances, the system may bepresented as near field in addition to other methods.

In some embodiments, the transmission of data comprises encodingprocesses with selectable or variable compression ratios that receive anarbitrary dataset of information and metadata; analyze said dataset andreceive or assign material properties, vectors, surface IDs, new pixeldata forming a more sparse dataset, and wherein the received data maycomprise: 2D, stereoscopic, multi-view, metadata, light field,holographic, geometry, vectors or vectorized metadata, and anencoder/decoder may provide the ability to convert the data in real-timeor off-line comprising image processing for: 2D; 2D plus depth, metadataor other vectorized information; stereoscopic, stereoscopic plus depth,metadata or other vectorized information; multi-view; multi-view plusdepth, metadata or other vectorized information; holographic; or lightfield content; through depth estimation algorithms, with or withoutdepth metadata; and an inverse ray tracing methodology appropriatelymaps the resulting converted data produced by inverse ray tracing fromthe various 2D, stereoscopic, multi-view, volumetric, light field orholographic data into real world coordinates through a characterized 4Dplenoptic function. In these embodiments, the total data transmissiondesired may be multiple orders of magnitudes less transmittedinformation than the raw light field dataset.

System and Methods for Production of Ordered Energy Localization EnergyRelays

While the Anderson localization principle was introduced in the 1950 s,it wasn't until recent technological breakthroughs in materials andprocesses that allowed the principle to be explored practically inoptical transport. Transverse Anderson localization is the propagationof a wave transported through a transversely disordered butlongitudinally invariant material without diffusion of the wave in thetransverse plane.

Within the prior art, Transverse Anderson localization has been observedthrough experimentation in which a fiber optic face plate is fabricatedthrough drawing millions of individual strands of fiber with differentrefractive index (RI) that were mixed randomly and fused together. Whenan input beam is scanned across one of the surfaces of the face plate,the output beam on the opposite surface follows the transverse positionof the input beam. Since Anderson localization exhibits in disorderedmediums an absence of diffusion of waves, some of the fundamentalphysics are different when compared to optical fiber relays. Thisimplies that the effect of the optical fibers that produce the Andersonlocalization phenomena are less impacted by total internal reflectionthan by the randomization of between multiple-scattering paths wherewave interference can completely limit the propagation in the transverseorientation while continuing in the longitudinal path. Further to thisconcept, it is introduced herein that an ordered distribution ofmaterial wave propagation properties may be used in place of arandomized distribution in the transverse plane of an energy transportdevice. Such an ordered distribution may induce Ordered EnergyLocalization in a transverse plane of the device while reducing theoccurrence of localized grouping of similar material properties, whichcan arise due to the nature of random distributions, and which maydegrade the overall efficacy of energy transport through the device.

In an embodiment, it may be possible for Ordered Energy Localizationmaterials to transport light as well as or better than, the highestquality commercially available multimode glass image fibers with ahigher MTF. With multimode and multicore optical fibers, the relayedimages are intrinsically pixelated due to the properties of totalinternal reflection of the discrete array of cores where any cross-talkbetween cores will reduce MTF and increase blurring. The resultingimagery produced with multicore optical fiber tends to have a residualfixed noise fiber pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 5A. By contrast, FIG.5B illustrates the same relayed image through an example material samplethat exhibits properties similar to that of the Transverse AndersonLocalization principle, referred to herein as Ordered EnergyLocalization, where the noise pattern appears much more like a grainstructure than a fixed fiber pattern.

Another advantage to optical relays that exhibit the Ordered Energylocalization phenomena is that it they can be fabricated from a polymermaterial, resulting in reduced cost and weight. A similar optical gradematerial generally made of glass or other similar materials may cost tento a hundred (or more) times more than the cost of the same dimension ofmaterial generated with polymers. Further, the weight of the polymerrelay optics can be 10-100× less given that up to a majority of thedensity of the material is air and other light weight plastics. For theavoidance of doubt, any material that exhibits the Anderson localizationproperty, or the Ordered Energy Localization property as describedherein, may be included in this disclosure herein, even if it does notmeet the above cost and weight suggestions. As one skilled in the artwill understand that the above suggestion is a single embodiment thatlends itself to significant commercial viabilities that similar glassproducts exclude. Of additional benefit is that for Ordered EnergyLocalization to work, optical fiber cladding may not be needed, whichfor traditional multicore fiber optics is required to prevent thescatter of light between fibers, but simultaneously blocks a portion ofthe rays of light and thus reduces transmission by at least the core toclad ratio (e.g. a core to clad ratio of 70:30 will transmit at best 70%of received illumination).

Another benefit is the ability to produce many smaller parts that can bebonded or fused without seams as the material fundamentally has no edgesin the traditional sense and the merger of any two pieces is nearly thesame as generating the component as a singular piece depending on theprocess to merge the two or more pieces together. For large scaleapplications, this is a significant benefit for the ability tomanufacturer without massive infrastructure or tooling costs, and itprovides the ability to generate single pieces of material that wouldotherwise be impossible with other methods. Traditional plastic opticalfibers have some of these benefits but due to the cladding, generallystill involve a seam line of some distances.

The present disclosure includes methods of manufacturing materialsexhibiting the Ordered Energy Localization phenomena. A process isproposed to construct relays of electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy,or other types of energy using building blocks that consist of one ormore component engineered structures (CES). The term CES refers to abuilding block component with specific engineered properties (EP) thatinclude, but are not limited to, material type, size, shape, refractiveindex, center-of-mass, charge, weight, absorption, magnetic moment,among other properties. The size scale of the CES may be on the order ofwavelength of the energy wave being relayed, and can vary across themilli-scale, the micro-scale, or the nano-scale. The other EP's are alsohighly dependent on the wavelength of the energy wave.

Within the scope of the present disclosure, a particular arrangement ofmultiple CES may form an ordered pattern, which may be repeated in thetransverse direction across a relay to effectively induce Ordered EnergyLocalization. A single instance of such an ordered pattern of CES isreferred to herein as a module. A module may comprise two or more CES. Agrouping of two or more modules within a relay is referred to herein asa cluster.

Ordered Energy Localization is a general wave phenomenon that applies tothe transport of electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, quantum waves,energy waves, among others. The one or more building block structuresrequired to form an energy wave relay that exhibits Ordered EnergyLocalization each have a size that is on the order of the correspondingwavelength. Another critical parameter for the building blocks is thespeed of the energy wave in the materials used for those buildingblocks, which includes refractive index for electromagnetic waves, andacoustic impedance for acoustic waves. For example, the building blocksizes and refractive indices can vary to accommodate any frequency inthe electromagnetic spectrum, from X-rays to radio waves.

For this reason, discussions in this disclosure about optical relays canbe generalized to not only the full electromagnetic spectrum, but toacoustical energy and other types of energy. For this reason, the use ofthe terms energy source, energy surface, and energy relay will be usedoften, even if the discussion is focused on one particular form ofenergy such as the visible electromagnetic spectrum.

For the avoidance of doubt, the material quantities, process, types,refractive index, and the like are merely exemplary and any opticalmaterial that exhibits the Ordered Energy localization property isincluded herein. Further, any use of ordered materials and processes isincluded herein.

It should be noted that the principles of optical design noted in thisdisclosure apply generally to all forms of energy relays, and the designimplementations chosen for specific products, markets, form factors,mounting, etc. may or may not need to address these geometries but forthe purposes of simplicity, any approach disclosed is inclusive of allpotential energy relay materials.

In one embodiment, for the relay of visible electromagnetic energy, thesize of the CES should be on the order of 1 micron. The materials usedfor the CES can be any optical material that exhibits the opticalqualities desired to include, but not limited to, glass, plastic, resinand the like. The index of refraction of the materials are higher than1, and if two CES types are chosen, the difference in refractive indexbecomes a key design parameter. The aspect ratio of the material may bechosen to be elongated, in order to assist wave propagation in alongitudinal direction.

The formation of a CES may be completed as a destructive process thattakes formed materials and cuts the pieces into a desired shapedformation or any other method known in the art, or additive, where theCES may be grown, printed, formed, melted, or produced in any othermethod known in the art. Additive and destructive processes may becombined for further control over fabrication. These pieces are nowconstructed to a specified structure size and shape.

In one embodiment, for electromagnetic energy relays, it may be possibleto use optical grade bonding agents, epoxies, or other known opticalmaterials that may start as a liquid and form an optical grade solidstructure through various means including but not limited to UV, heat,time, among other processing parameters. In another embodiment, thebonding agent is not cured or is made of index matching oils forflexible applications. Bonding agent may be applied to solid structuresand non-curing oils or optical liquids. These materials may exhibitcertain refractive index (RI) properties. The bonding agent needs tomatch the RI of either CES material type 1 or CES material type 2. Inone embodiment, the RI of this optical bonding agent is 1.59, the sameas PS. In a second embodiment, the RI of this optical bonding agent is1.49, the same as PMMA.

In one embodiment, for energy waves, the bonding agent may be mixed intoa blend of CES material type 1 and CES material type 2 in order toeffectively cancel out the RI of the material that the bonding agent RImatches. The bonding agent may be thoroughly intermixed such that noregions are unsaturated which may require a certain amount of time forsaturation and desired viscous properties. Additional constant agitationmay be implemented to ensure the appropriate mixture of the materials tocounteract any separation that may occur due to various densities ofmaterials or other material properties.

It may be required to perform this process in a vacuum or in a chamberto evacuate any air bubbles that may form. An additional methodology maybe to introduce vibration during the curing process. An alternate methodprovides for three or more CES with additional form characteristics andEPs. In one embodiment, for electromagnetic energy relays, an additionalmethod provides for only a single CES to be used with only the bondingagent, where the RI of the CES and the bonding agent differ. Anadditional method provides for any number of CESs and includes theintentional introduction of air bubbles.

In one embodiment, for electromagnetic energy relays, a method providesfor multiple bonding agents with independent desired RIs, and a processto intermix the zero, one, or more CES's as they cure either separatelyor together to allow for the formation of a completely intermixedstructure. Two or more separate curing methodologies may be leveraged toallow for the ability to cure and intermix at different intervals withdifferent tooling and procedural methodologies. In one embodiment, a UVcure epoxy with a RI of 1.49 is intermixed with a heat cure second epoxywith a RI of 1.59 where constant agitation of the materials isprovisioned with alternating heat and UV treatments with only sufficientduration to begin to see the formation of solid structures from withinthe larger mixture, but not long enough for any large particles to form,until such time that no agitation can be continued once the curingprocess has nearly completed, whereupon the curing processes areimplemented simultaneously to completely bond the materials together. Ina second embodiment, CES with a RI of 1.49 are added. In a thirdembodiment, CES with both a RI of 1.49 and 1.59 both added.

In another embodiment, for electromagnetic energy relays, glass andplastic materials are intermixed based upon their respective RIproperties. In an additional embodiment, the cured mixture is formed ina mold and after curing is cut and polished. In another embodiment, thematerials leveraged will re-liquefy with heat and are cured in a firstshape and then pulled into a second shape to include, but not limitedto, tapers or bends.

FIG. 7A illustrates a cutaway view of a flexible implementation 70 of arelay exhibiting the Transverse Anderson Localization approach using CESmaterial type 1 (72) and CES material type 2 (74) with intermixing oilor liquid 76 and with the possible use of end cap relays 79 to relay theenergy waves from a first surface 77 to a second surface 77 on eitherend of the relay within a flexible tubing enclosure 78 in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure. The CES material type 1(72) and CES material type 2 (74) both have the engineered property ofbeing elongated—in this embodiment, the shape is elliptical, but anyother elongated or engineered shape such as cylindrical or stranded isalso possible. The elongated shape allows for channels of minimumengineered property variation 75.

For an embodiment for visible electromagnetic energy relays,implementation 70 may have the bonding agent replaced with a refractiveindex matching oil 76 with a refractive index that matches CES materialtype 2 (74) and placed into the flexible tubing enclosure 78 to maintainflexibility of the mixture of CES material type 1 and CES material 2,and the end caps 79 would be solid optical relays to ensure that animage can be relayed from one surface of an end cap to the other. Theelongated shape of the CES materials allows channels of minimumrefractive index variation 75. Multiple instances of 70 can beinterlaced into a single surface in order to form a relay combiner insolid or flexible form.

In one embodiment, for visible electromagnetic energy relays, severalinstances of 70 may each be connected on one end to a display deviceshowing only one of many specific tiles of an image, with the other endof the optical relay placed in a regular mosaic, arranged in such a wayto display the full image with no noticeable seams. Due to theproperties of the CES materials, it is additionally possible to fusemultiple the multiple optical relays within the mosaic together.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cutaway view of a rigid implementation 750 of aCES Transverse Anderson Localization energy relay. CES material type 1(72) and CES material type 2 (74) are intermixed with bonding agent 753which matches the index of refraction of material 2 (74). It is possibleto use optional relay end caps 79 to relay the energy wave from thefirst surface 77 to a second surface 77 within the enclosure 754. TheCES material type 1 (72) and CES material type 2 (74) both have theengineered property of being elongated—in this embodiment, the shape iselliptical, but any other elongated or engineered shape such ascylindrical or stranded is also possible. Also shown in FIG. 7B is apath of minimum engineered property variation 75 along the longitudinaldirection, which assists the energy wave propagation in this directionfrom one end cap surface 77 to the other end cap surface 77.

The initial configuration and alignment of the CESs can be done withmechanical placement, or by exploiting the EP of the materials,including but not limited to: electric charge, which when applied to acolloid of CESs in a liquid can result in colloidal crystal formation;magnetic moments which can help order CESs containing trace amounts offerromagnetic materials, or relative weight of the CESs used, which withgravity helps to create layers within the bonding liquid prior tocuring.

In one embodiment, for electromagnetic energy relays, the implementationdepicted in FIG. 7B would have the bonding agent 753 matching the indexof refraction of CES material type 2 (74), the optional end caps 79would be solid optical relays to ensure that an image can be relayedfrom one surface of an end cap to the other, and the critical EP withminimal longitudinal variation would be refractive index, creatingchannels 75 which would assist the propagation of localizedelectromagnetic waves.

In an embodiment for visible electromagnetic energy relays, FIG. 8illustrates a cutaway view in the transverse plane the inclusion of aDEMA (dimensional extra mural absorption) CES, 80, along with CESmaterial types 72, 74 in the longitudinal direction of one exemplarymaterial at a given percentage of the overall mixture of the material,which controls stray light, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure for visible electromagnetic energy relays.

The additional CES materials that do not transmit light are added to themixture(s) to absorb random stray light, similar to EMA in traditionaloptical fiber technologies, only the absorbing materials are includedwithin a dimensional lattice and not contained within the longitudinaldimension, herein this material is called DEMA, 80. Leveraging thisapproach in the third dimension provides far more control than previousmethods of implementation where the stray light control is much morefully randomized than any other implementation that includes a strandedEMA that ultimately reduces overall light transmission by the percent ofthe area of the surface of all the optical relay components, whereas theDEMA is intermixed in the dimensional lattice that effectively controlsthe light transmission in the longitudinal direction without the samereduction of light in the transverse. The DEMA can be provided in anyratio of the overall mixture. In one embodiment, the DEMA is 1% of theoverall mixture of the material. In a second embodiment, the DEMA is 10%of the overall mixture of the material.

In an additional embodiment, the two or more materials are treated withheat and/or pressure to perform the bonding process and this may or maynot be completed with a mold or other similar forming process known inthe art. This may or may not be applied within a vacuum or a vibrationstage or the like to eliminate air bubbles during the melt process. Forexample, CES with material type PS and PMMA may be intermixed and thenplaced into an appropriate mold that is placed into a uniform heatdistribution environment capable of reaching the melting point of bothmaterials and cycled to and from the respective temperature withoutcausing damage/fractures due to exceeding the maximum heat elevation ordeclination per hour as dictated by the material properties.

For processes that require intermixing materials with additional liquidbonding agents, in consideration of the variable specific densities ofeach material, a process of constant rotation at a rate that preventsseparation of the materials may be required.

High Density Energy Directing Device

In an embodiment, an energy directing device may comprises one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay elements, each of the oneor more energy relay elements further comprising a first surface and asecond surface. The second surfaces of each energy relay element may bearranged to form a singular seamless energy surface.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more energylocations may comprise a display technology including any of:

-   -   a) LCD, LED, laser, CRT, OLED, AMOLED, TOLED, pico projector,        single chip, 3-chip, LCoS, DLP, Quantum Dots, monochrome, color,        projection, backlit, directly emissive, reflective, transparent,        opaque, coherent, incoherent, diffuse, direct, or any other        illumination source sufficient to produce the desired pixel        density; and    -   b) wherein any reflective display technology may be directly        bonded to the optical relay to provide an outdoor or ambient        illumination display, and further, combined with other materials        allows for the interaction of light with the relayed content for        both 2D and light field applications; and    -   c) a series of beamsplitters, prisms, or polarized elements and        arranging each of the above devices within the optical system to        provide a virtual energy surface that aggregates to include a        completely seamless integration of all of the active area        between the one or more devices even in consideration of the        mechanical envelopes; and    -   d) a series of parallel, converged, optically offset parallel        and converged, on-axis, off-axis, radial, aligned or otherwise        reflective or projection systems, each including a specified        resolution and mechanical envelope but projecting onto a surface        that is in aggregate smaller than the side-by-side footprint of        all of the one or more reflective or projection systems        combined.

In an embodiment, a separation between edges of any two adjacent secondsurfaces of the singular seamless energy surface may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a height of the singular seamless energy surface or a width ofthe singular seamless energy surface, from the singular seamless energysurface.

Creating a seamless energy surface from a plurality of separateindependent energy sources presents a problem of significant seamsbetween the active areas of the energy sources.

For example, for visible electromagnetic energy, FIG. 9 represents anexample of the minimum separation possible between identical independentdisplays when mounted on flex cables. FIG. 9 illustrates a side view ofthree display devices 900, which each comprise an active display areadimension 902 and a mechanical envelope 906. Minimum gaps 908 highlightthe minimum possible space between any two active imaging surfaces 902of display devices 900. In the event that the active image to mechanicalenvelope ratio is less than 2:1 (e.g. the active area is 20 mm×10 mm andthe mechanical envelope is less than 40 mm×10 mm), it is possible to usebeam splitters or other similar optical and reflective materials tointerleave two image surfaces to form one single contiguous plane.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustration which describes one suchimplementation of this methodology. FIG. 10 features five displaydevices 100 which each comprise active display areas 1002 and mechanicalenvelopes 1004. Beam splitter 1006 combines image light 1008 produced bydisplay devices 1000 into a seamless image presentation 1010, whicheffectively masks the mechanical envelopes 1004 of the display devices1000. It should be noted that a highly non-reflective dark surface ispreferable at or near the display to mask out the non-image areas inorder to avoid reflection of the electronics and other non-displayregions.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustration of a second methodology where 3 beamsplitters are leveraged to accommodate a mechanical envelope that is a4:1 ratio. FIG. 11 features eight display devices 1100 which eachcomprise active display areas 1102 and mechanical envelopes 1104. Threebeam splitters 1106, 1108, and 1110 combine image light 1112 produced bythe eight display devices 1100 into a seamless image presentation 1114,which effectively masks the mechanical envelopes 1104 of the displaydevices 1100.

It should be noted that while these methods can work, the mechanicalaccuracy may preferably be near perfect to avoid incorrect angularviewing of each overlapping display plane and the overall viewedbrightness will decrease by the amount of light that is absorbed by thebeam splitter in order to redirect the rays of light to each discreetreflected plane. In FIG. 11, the brightness of image light 1112 willonly transmit at best 25% of actual display peak potential from displaydevices 1100 due to the loss of light from the overall system.Additionally, it should be noted that the size of the physical apparatuswith multiple reflections becomes quite large very quickly depending onthe size of the desired image surface.

It is also possible to consider projection technologies to aggregatemultiple images into a larger overall display, however, this comes atthe cost of great complexity for throw distance, minimum focus, opticalquality, thermal consistency considerations over a temperature gradientover time, as well as image blending, alignment, size and form factor.For most practical applications, hosting tens or hundreds of theseprojection sources results in a design that is much larger and lessreliable. With all of the above risks noted, all of the descriptionscontained herein may also apply to any form of projection technology inaddition to the disclosed panel methodologies.

An alternative methodology involves using many projectors in a tiledfashion to produce a seamless image surface in combination with a rearprojection surface. This surface may include screens, diffusers, andoptical relays in planar or non-planar surfaces. The regions betweeneach individually addressed tile should ideally overlap slightly andblend the transition between each tile appropriately, although notexplicitly required. The same concept of image area to mechanicalenvelope applies with some added complexity. We now introduce theconcepts of maximum optical offset along image surface position whichcan be controlled by moving the optics of the projection systemindependently from that of the image source resulting in a non-keystonedshift of the image to the energy surface. High quality optics aredesired for this to be successful and is often limited to less than thewidth of the projected image.

Additionally, when not using orthographic or collimated designs, we nowhave the challenge of minimum focus of the optics contained within theprojection system. This can be addressed by increasing the overallprojected image size per tile at the consequence of increasing theviewed distance to provide the desired pixel density as notated above.

FIG. 12 highlights this relationship between the mechanical enveloperatio, the minimum focus distance and the maximum image offset as wellas the percent of overlap between individual tiled images. FIG. 12illustrates a top view of an embodiment with three projection devices:one centered projection device 1200, and two off-centered projectiondevises 1201, 1203. The mechanical envelope of each projection device1200, 1201, 1203 creates a display offset which invites adjustment ofthe projection angle 1204 of each off-centered projection device 121001,1203. FIG. 12 highlights the use of off-axis projection optics, wherethe display panel 1214 is displaced from the optical axis of the displaylens 1216 by an amount 1202 in proportion to the display panel distancefrom the center of the array, allowing for the overlap of each of theseimages while maintaining a parallel array structure, and additionallyavoid a keystone image correction. Image light projected from theprojection devices 1200, 1201, 1203 forms a display image 1206 at imageplane 1208. Image light from off-centered projection device 1201, 1203will have an image offset 1210 and a fractional overlap 1212 at theimage plane 1208.

In an embodiment, the singular seamless energy surface may be planar,faceted, or curved. It is also possible to form an arc of projectors atthe expense of requiring keystone correction optically orcomputationally to form the singular energy surface. In an embodiment,three projection devices may be arranged in an arc. The projectiondevices may produce image light which propagates through a planar imageplane. The image light may experience keystone effects.

Alternatively, non-planar surfaces may be designed in order to placeeach projector directly behind the corresponding tile of viewed energysurface. FIG. 13 is a top view illustration of an embodiment with threeprojection devices 1300 arranged in an arc. The projection devices 1300produce image light 1302 which propagates through non-planar surface1304. Image light 1302 may experience keystone effects that theembodiment of FIG. 12 avoids. For both of these approaches, theprojectors do not necessarily need to be in a physically stackedconfiguration and may leverage reflectors or other optical methodologiesin order to provide application specific mechanical designs.

Any combination of these approaches may be employed where both beamsplitters and projection technologies can be leveraged simultaneously.An additional embodiment of the system makes use of recent breakthroughsin energy relay technologies.

Tapered Energy Relays

In order to further solve the challenge of generating high resolutionfrom an array of individual energy wave sources containing extendedmechanical envelopes, the use of tapered energy relays can be employedto increase the effective size of each energy source. An array oftapered energy relays can be stitched together to form a singularcontiguous energy surface, circumventing the limitation of mechanicalrequirements for those energy sources.

In an embodiment, the one or more energy relay elements may beconfigured to direct energy along propagation paths which extend betweenthe one or more energy locations and the singular seamless energysurface. For example, if an energy wave source's active area is 20 mm×10mm and the mechanical envelope is 40 mm×20 mm, a tapered energy relaymay be designed with a magnification of 2:1 to produce a taper that is20 mm×10 mm (when cut) on the minified end and 40 mm×20 mm (when cut) onthe magnified end, providing the ability to align an array of thesetapers together seamlessly without altering or violating the mechanicalenvelope of each energy wave source.

FIG. 14 illustrates an orthogonal view of one such tapered energy relaymosaic arrangement 1410, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In FIG. 14, the relay device 1410 may include two ormore relay elements 1420, each relay element 1420 formed of one or morestructures, each relay element 1420 having a first surface 1440, asecond surface 1460, a transverse orientation (generally parallel to thesurfaces 1440, 1460) and a longitudinal orientation (generallyperpendicular to the surfaces 1440, 1410). The surface area of the firstsurface 1440 may be different than the surface area of the secondsurface 1460. For relay element 1420, the surface area of the firstsurface 1440 is less than the surface area of the second surface 1460.In another embodiment, the surface area of the first surface 1440 may bethe same or greater than the surface area of the second surface 1460.Energy waves can pass from the first surface 1440 to the second surface1460, or vice versa.

In FIG. 14, the relay element 1420 of the relay element device 1410includes a sloped profile portion 1480 between the first surface 1440and the second surface 1460. In operation, energy waves propagatingbetween the first surface 1440 and the second surface 1460 may havehigher transport efficiency in the longitudinal orientation than in thetransverse orientation, and energy waves passing through the relayelement 1420 may result in spatial magnification or spatialde-magnification. In other words, energy waves passing through the relayelement 1420 of the relay element device 1410 may experience increasedmagnification or decreased magnification. In an embodiment, energy maybe directed through the one or more energy relay elements with zeromagnification. In some embodiments, the one or more structures forforming relay element devices may include glass, carbon, optical fiber,optical film, plastic, polymer, or mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the energy waves passing through the first surfacehave a first resolution, while the energy waves passing through thesecond surface have a second resolution, and the second resolution is noless than about 50% of the first resolution. In another embodiment, theenergy waves, while having a uniform profile when presented to the firstsurface, may pass through the second surface radiating in everydirection with an energy density in the forward direction thatsubstantially fills a cone with an opening angle of +/−10 degreesrelative to the normal to the second surface, irrespective of locationon the second relay surface.

In some embodiments, the first surface may be configured to receiveenergy from an energy wave source, the energy wave source including amechanical envelope having a width different than the width of at leastone of the first surface and the second surface.

In an embodiment, energy may be transported between first and secondsurfaces which defines the longitudinal orientation, the first andsecond surfaces of each of the relays extends generally along atransverse orientation defined by the first and second directions, wherethe longitudinal orientation is substantially normal to the transverseorientation. In an embodiment, energy waves propagating through theplurality of relays have higher transport efficiency in the longitudinalorientation than in the transverse orientation and are spatiallylocalized in the transverse plane due to randomized refractive indexvariability in the transverse orientation coupled with minimalrefractive index variation in the longitudinal orientation via theprinciple of Transverse Anderson Localization. In some embodiments whereeach relay is constructed of multicore fiber, the energy wavespropagating within each relay element may travel in the longitudinalorientation determined by the alignment of fibers in this orientation.

Mechanically, these tapered energy relays are cut and polished to a highdegree of accuracy before being bonded or fused together in order toalign them and ensure that the smallest possible seam gap between therelays. The seamless surface formed by the second surfaces of energyrelays is polished after the relays are bonded. In one such embodiment,using an epoxy that is thermally matched to the taper material, it ispossible to achieve a maximum seam gap of 50 um. In another embodiment,a manufacturing process that places the taper array under compressionand/or heat provides the ability to fuse the elements together. Inanother embodiment, the use of plastic tapers can be more easilychemically fused or heat-treated to create the bond without additionalbonding. For the avoidance of doubt, any methodology may be used to bondthe array together, to explicitly include no bond other than gravityand/or force.

In an embodiment, a separation between the edges of any two adjacentsecond surfaces of the terminal energy relay elements may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance from the seamlessenergy surface that is greater than the lesser of a height of thesingular seamless energy surface or a width of the singular seamlessenergy surface.

A mechanical structure may be preferable in order to hold the multiplecomponents in a fashion that meets a certain tolerance specification. Insome embodiments, the first and second surfaces of tapered relayelements can have any polygonal shapes including without limitationcircular, elliptical, oval, triangular, square, rectangle,parallelogram, trapezoidal, diamond, pentagon, hexagon, and so forth. Insome examples, for non-square tapers, such as rectangular tapers forexample, the relay elements may be rotated to have the minimum taperdimension parallel to the largest dimensions of the overall energysource. This approach allows for the optimization of the energy sourceto exhibit the lowest rejection of rays of light due to the acceptancecone of the magnified relay element as when viewed from center point ofthe energy source. For example, if the desired energy source size is 100mm by 60 mm and each tapered energy relay is 20 mm by 10 mm, the relayelements may be aligned and rotated such that an array of 3 by 10 taperenergy relay elements may be combined to produce the desired energysource size. Nothing here should suggest that an array with analternative configuration of an array of 6 by 5 matrix, among othercombinations, could not be utilized. The array comprising of a 3×10layout generally will perform better than the alternative 6×5 layout.

Energy Relay Element Stacks

While the most simplistic formation of an energy source system comprisesof an energy source bonded to a single tapered energy relay element,multiple relay elements may be coupled to form a single energy sourcemodule with increased quality or flexibility. One such embodimentincludes a first tapered energy relay with the minified end attached tothe energy source, and a second tapered energy relay connected to thefirst relay element, with the minified end of the second optical taperin contact with the magnified end of the first relay element, generatinga total magnification equal to the product of the two individual tapermagnifications. This is an example of an energy relay element stackcomprising of a sequence of two or more energy relay elements, with eachenergy relay element comprising a first side and a second side, thestack relaying energy from the first surface of the first element to thesecond surface of the last element in the sequence, also named theterminal surface. Each energy relay element may be configured to directenergy therethrough.

In an embodiment, an energy directing device comprises one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay element stacks. Eachenergy relay element stack comprises one or more energy relay elements,with each energy relay element comprising a first surface and a secondsurface. Each energy relay element may be configured to direct energytherethrough. In an embodiment, the second surfaces of terminal energyrelay elements of each energy relay element stack may be arranged toform a singular seamless display surface. In an embodiment, the one ormore energy relay element stacks may be configured to direct energyalong energy propagation paths which extend between the one or moreenergy locations and the singular seamless display surfaces.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an energy relay element stack 1500consisting of two compound optical relay tapers 1522, 1524 in series,both tapers with minified ends facing an energy source surface 1526, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 15, theinput numerical aperture (NA) is 1.0 for the input of taper 1524, butonly about 0.16 for the output of taper 1522. Notice that the outputnumerical aperture gets divided by the total magnification of 6, whichis the product of 2 for taper 1524, and 3 for taper 1522. One advantageof this approach is the ability to customize the first energy wave relayelement to account for various dimensions of energy source withoutalteration of the second energy wave relay element. It additionallyprovides the flexibility to alter the size of the output energy surfacewithout changing the design of the energy source or the first relayelement. Also shown in FIG. 15 is the energy source 1526 and themechanical envelope 1528 containing the energy source drive electronics.

In an embodiment, the first surface may be configured to receive energywaves from an energy source unit (e.g., 1526), the energy source unitincluding a mechanical envelope having a width different than the widthof at least one of the first surface and the second surface. In oneembodiment, the energy waves passing through the first surface may havea first resolution, while the energy waves passing through the secondsurface may have a second resolution, such that the second resolution isno less than about 50% of the first resolution. In another embodiment,the energy waves, while having a uniform profile when presented to thefirst surface, may pass through the second surface radiating in everydirection with an energy density in the forward direction thatsubstantially fills a cone with an opening angle of +/−10 degreesrelative to the normal to the second surface, irrespective of locationon the second relay surface.

In one embodiment, the plurality of energy relay elements in the stackedconfiguration may include a plurality of faceplates (relays with unitymagnification). In some embodiments, the plurality of faceplates mayhave different lengths or are loose coherent optical relays. In otherembodiments, the plurality of elements may have sloped profile portionssimilar to that of FIG. 14, where the sloped profile portions may beangled, linear, curved, tapered, faceted or aligned at anon-perpendicular angle relative to a normal axis of the relay element.In yet another embodiment, energy waves propagating through theplurality of relay elements have higher transport efficiency in thelongitudinal orientation than in the transverse orientation and arespatially localized in the transverse orientation due to randomizedrefractive index variability in the transverse orientation coupled withminimal refractive index variation in the longitudinal orientation. Inembodiments where each energy relay is constructed of multicore fiber,the energy waves propagating within each relay element may travel in thelongitudinal orientation determined by the alignment of fibers in thisorientation.

Energy Directing Device

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment 1600 of anenergy directing device where energy relay element stacks are arrangedin an 8×4 array to form a singular seamless energy directing surface1610 with the shortest dimension of the terminal surface of each taperedenergy relay element stack parallel to the longest dimension of theenergy surface 1610. The energy originates from 32 separate energysources 1650; each bonded or otherwise attached to the first element ofthe energy relay element stacks.

In an embodiment, a separation between the edges of any two adjacentsecond surfaces of the terminal energy relay elements may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/100 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a height of the singular seamless display surface or a widthof the singular seamless display surface, from the singular seamlessdisplay surface.

FIG. 17 contains the following views of embodiment 17A00: a front view1710, a top view 1710, a side view 1730, and a close-up side view 1740.

FIG. 18 is the close-up view of the side view 1740 of the energydirecting device 1600, consisting of a repeating structure comprised ofenergy relay element stacks 1830 arranged along a transverse orientationdefined by first and second directions, used to propagate energy wavesfrom the plurality of energy units 1850 to a single common seamlessenergy surface 1880 formed by the second surface of the energy relayelement stacks. Each energy unit 1850 is composed of an energy source1810 as well as the mechanical enclosure 1850 which houses the driveelectronics. Each relay stack is composed of a faceplate 1840 with nomagnification directly bonded to an energy source 1810 on one side, anda tapered energy relay on the other side, where the taper spatiallymagnifies the energy wave from the faceplate while propagating theenergy to the seamless energy surface 1880. In one embodiment, themagnification of the tapered energy relay is 2:1. In one embodiment,tapered energy relays 1820 are held in place by a common base structure1860, and each of these tapers are bonded to a faceplate 181640, whichin turn is bonded to the energy unit 1850. Neighboring tapers 1820 arebonded or fused together at seam 1870 in order to ensure that thesmallest possible seam gap is realized. All the tapered energy relays inthe full 8×4 array are arranged in a seamless mosaic such that thesecond surface for each tapered energy relay forms a single contiguousenergy surface 1880, which is polished during assembly to ensureflatness. In one embodiment, surface 1810 is polished to within 10 wavesof flatness. Face plate 1885 has dimensions slightly larger than thedimensions of the surface 181680, and is placed in direct contact withsurface 1880 in order to extend the field of view of the tapered energysurface 1880. The second surface of the faceplate forms the outputenergy surface 1810 for the energy directing device 1800.

In this embodiment of 1800, energy is propagated from each energy source1810, through the relay stack 1830, and then substantially normal to thefaceplate, defining the longitudinal direction, the first and secondsurfaces of each of the relay stacks extends generally along atransverse orientation defined by the first and second directions, wherethe longitudinal orientation is substantially normal to the transverseorientation. In one embodiment, energy waves propagating through atleast one of the relay elements faceplate 1840, taper 1820, andfaceplate 1885, have higher transport efficiency in the longitudinalorientation than in the transverse orientation and are localized in thetransverse orientation due to randomized refractive index variability inthe transverse orientation coupled with minimal refractive indexvariation in the longitudinal orientation. In some embodiments at leastone of the relay elements faceplate 1840, taper 1820, and faceplate 1885may be constructed of multicore fiber, with energy waves propagatingwithin each relay element traveling in the longitudinal orientationdetermined by the alignment of fibers in this orientation.

In one embodiment, the energy waves passing through the first surface of181640 have a first spatial resolution, while the energy waves passingthrough the second surface of tapered energy relay 1820 and through theface plate have a second resolution, and the second resolution is noless than about 50% of the first resolution. In another embodiment, theenergy waves, while having a uniform profile at the first surface of thefaceplate 1840, may pass through the seamless energy surfaces 1880 and1810 radiating in every direction with an energy density in the forwarddirection that substantially fills a cone with an opening angle of +/−10degrees relative to the normal to the seamless energy surface 1810,irrespective of location on this surface 1810.

In an embodiment, an energy directing device comprises one or moreenergy sources and one or more energy relay element stacks.

In an embodiment, each energy relay element of an energy directingdevice may comprise at least one of:

-   -   1. one or more optical elements exhibiting transverse Anderson        Localization;    -   2. a plurality of optical fibers;    -   3. loose coherent optical fibers;    -   4. image combiners;    -   5. one or more gradient index optical elements;    -   6. one or more beam splitters;    -   7. one or more prisms;    -   8. one or more polarized optical elements;    -   9. one or more multiple size or length optical elements for        mechanical offset;    -   10. one or more waveguides;    -   11. one or more diffractive, refractive, reflective,        holographic, lithographic, or transmissive elements; and    -   12. one or more retroreflectors.

In an embodiment, a quantity of the one or more energy relay elementsand a quantity of the one or more energy locations may define amechanical dimension of the energy directing device. The quantity ofoptical relay elements incorporated into the system is unlimited andonly constrained by mechanical considerations and the resultant seamlessenergy surface includes a plurality of lower resolution energy sourcesproducing an infinite resolution energy surface only limited by theresolving power and image quality of the components included within thedisplay device.

A mechanical structure may be preferable in order to hold the multiplerelay components in a fashion that meets a certain tolerancespecification. Mechanically, the energy relays that contain a secondsurface that forms the seamless energy surface are cut and polished to ahigh degree of accuracy before being bonded or fused together in orderto align them and ensure that the smallest possible seam gap between theenergy relays is possible. The seamless surface 1880 is polished afterthe relays 1820 are bonded together. In one such embodiment, using anepoxy that is thermally matched to the tapered energy relay material, itis possible to achieve a maximum seam gap of 50 um. In anotherembodiment, a manufacturing process that places the taper array undercompression and/or heat provides the ability to fuse the elementstogether. In another embodiment, the use of plastic tapers can be moreeasily chemically fused or heat-treated to create the bond withoutadditional bonding. For the avoidance of doubt, any methodology may beused to bond the array together, to explicitly include no bond otherthan gravity and/or force.

The energy surface may be polished individually and/or as a singularenergy surface and may be any surface shape, including planar,spherical, cylindrical, conical, faceted, tiled, regular, non-regular,convex, concave, slanted, or any other geometric shape for a specifiedapplication. The optical elements may be mechanically mounted such thatthe optical axes are parallel, non-parallel and/or arranged with energysurface normal oriented in a specified way.

The ability to create various shapes outside of the active display areaprovides the ability to couple multiple optical elements in series tothe same base structure through clamping structures, bonding processes,or any other mechanical means desired to hold one or more relay elementsin place. The various shapes may be formed out of optical materials orbonded with additional appropriate materials. The mechanical structureleveraged to hold the resultant shape may be of the same form to fitover top of said structure. In one embodiment, an energy relay isdesigned with a square shape with a side that is equal to 10% of thetotal length of the energy relay, but 25% greater than the active areaof the energy source in width and height. This energy relay is clampedwith the matched mechanical structure and may leverage refractive indexmatching oil, refractive index matched epoxy, or the like. In the caseof electromagnetic energy sources, the process to place any two opticalelements in series may include mechanical or active alignment whereinvisual feedback is provided to ensure that the appropriate tolerance ofimage alignment is performed. Typically, a display is mounted to therear surface of the optical element prior to alignment, but this may ormay not be desired depending on application.

In an embodiment, the second sides of terminal energy relay elements ofeach energy relay element stack may be arranged to form a singularseamless energy surface.

In an embodiment, the singular seamless energy surface formed by amosaic of energy relay element stacks may be extended by placing afaceplate layer in direct contact with the surface, using a bondingagent, index matching oil, pressure, or gravity to adhere it to theenergy surface. In one embodiment, the faceplate layer may be composedof a single piece of energy relay material, while in others it iscomposed of two or more pieces of energy relay material bonded or fusedtogether. In one embodiment, the extension of a faceplate may increasethe angle of emission of the energy waves relative to the normal to theseamless energy surface.

In an embodiment, the one or more energy relay element stacks may beconfigured to direct energy along propagation paths which extend betweenthe one or more energy locations and the singular seamless energysurfaces.

In an embodiment, a separation between the edges of any two adjacentsecond surfaces of the terminal energy relay elements may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a height of the singular seamless energy surface or a width ofthe singular seamless energy surface, from the singular seamless energysurface.

In an embodiment, the energy relay elements of each energy relay elementstack are arranged in an end-to-end configuration. In an embodiment,energy may be directed through the one or more energy relay elementstacks with zero magnification, non-zero magnification, or non-zerominification. In an embodiment, any of the energy relay elements of theone or more energy relay element stacks may comprise an elementexhibiting Transverse Anderson Localization, an optical fiber, a beamsplitter, an image combiner, an element configured to alter an angulardirection of energy passing therethrough, etc.

In an embodiment, energy directed along energy propagation paths may beelectromagnetic energy defined by a wavelength, the wavelength belongingto a regime of the electromagnetic spectrum such as visible light,ultraviolet, infrared, x-ray, etc. In an embodiment, energy directedalong energy propagation paths may be mechanical energy such as acousticsound, tactile pressure, etc. A volumetric sound environment is atechnology that effectively aspires to achieve holographic sound orsimilar technology. A dimensional tactile device produces an array oftransducers, air emitters, or the like to generate a sensation oftouching objects floating in midair that may be directly coupled to thevisuals displayed in a light field display. Any other technologies thatsupport interactive or immersive media may additionally be explored inconjunction with this holographic display. For the use of the energydirecting device as a display surface, the electronics may be mounteddirectly to the pins of the individual displays, attached to theelectronics with a socket such as a zero-insertion force (ZIF)connector, or by using an interposer and/or the like, to providesimplified installation and maintenance of the system. In oneembodiment, display electronic components including display boards,FPGAs, ASICs, 10 devices or similarly desired components preferable forthe use of said display, may be mounted or tethered on flex orflexi-rigid cables in order to produce an offset between the displaymounting plane and the location of the physical electronic package.Additional mechanical structures are provided to mount the electronicsas desired for the device. This provides the ability to increase densityof the optical elements, thereby reducing the optical magnification forany tapered optical relays and decreasing overall display size and/orweight.

Cooling structures may be designed to maintain system performance withina specified temperature range, wherein all mechanical structures mayinclude additional copper or other similar material tubing to provide aliquid cooling system with a solid state liquid cooling system providingsufficient pressure on a thermostat regulator. Additional embodimentsmay include Peltier units or heat syncs and/or the like to maintainconsistent system performance for the electronics, displays and/or anyother components sensitive to temperature changes during operation orthat may produce excess heat.

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of an embodiment 1900 where energy relayelement stacks composed of elements 1902 and 1903 are angled inward to aknown point in space 1904, directing energy to propagate from multiplesources 1908 through the seamless energy surface 1901. The basestructure 1906 directly supports the tapered energy relays 1902, whereeach taper is in turn bonded to relay 1903. For an embodiment where theenergy directing device 1900 is a display, tapered optical relayelements 1902 are angled inward to point the taper optical axes towardsa fixed point in space 1904. The energy sources 1908 comprise ofindividual displays, with display electronics contained with the displaymechanical envelope 1907.

In an embodiment, the optical relay may comprise loose coherent opticalrelays. Flexible optical elements, image conduits, and the like mayadditionally be leveraged in order to further offset display and displayelectronics from the seamless energy surface. In this fashion, it ispossible to form an optical relay bundle including multiple loosecoherent optical relays or other similar optical technology to connecttwo separate structures, with a first structure containing the seamlessenergy surface, and the second structure containing the display anddisplay electronics.

One or more additional optical elements may be mounted in front of, orbehind the ends of each loose coherent optical relay. These additionalelements may be mounted with epoxies, pressure, mechanical structures,or other methods known in the art.

FIG. 2000 is a top view illustration of an embodiment where the seamlessenergy surface 2002 is a display formed by tapered optical relays 2004,while the display devices 2006 and the mechanical envelopes for thedisplay electronics 2008 are located a distance away from the taperedrelays 2004. Relaying light from display devices 2006 to the taperedoptical relays 2004 are loose coherent optical relays 2010 each with endcaps 2012 at either end. Embodiment 2000 allows the display devices 2006to be disposed at the remote locations of 2008 away from the energysurface 2002 to ensure that a mechanical envelope of the display devices2006 does not interfere with the positioning of energy surface 2002.

Optical elements may exhibit differing lengths to provide offsetelectronics as desired when formed in an alternating structure andprovide the ability to increase density by the difference between thewidth of the electronic envelope minus the width of the optical element.In one such embodiment, a 5×5 optical relay mosaic contains twoalternating optical relay lengths. In another embodiment, a 5×5 opticalrelay mosaic may contain 5 different optical relay lengths producing apyramid-like structure, with the longest length at the center of thearray, producing higher overall density for the resultant optical relaymosaic.

FIG. 21 is a side view illustration of an embodiment 2100 wherein aseamless display surface 2108 is formed by nine tapered optical relays2102, each associated with a display device 2104 through an optical faceplate with one of five offset lengths 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, such that no twoadjacent display devices 2104 are connected to a face plate with thesame offset length, providing sufficient clearance 2106 for respectivemechanical envelopes 2105 for the display electronics.

Selective Propagation of Energy in Light Field and Holographic WaveguideArrays

FIG. 39 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an embodiment of anenergy waveguide system 100 operable to define a plurality of energypropagation paths 108. Energy waveguide system 100 comprises an array ofenergy waveguides 112 configured to direct energy therethrough along theplurality of energy propagation paths 108. In an embodiment, theplurality of energy propagation paths 108 extend through a plurality ofenergy locations 118 on a first side of the array 116 to a second sideof the array 114.

Referring to FIG. 22 and FIG. 24A-H, in an embodiment, a first subset24290 of the plurality of energy propagation paths 22108 extend througha first energy location 22122. The first energy waveguide 22104 isconfigured to direct energy along a first energy propagation path 22120of the first subset 24290 of the plurality of energy propagation paths22108. The first energy propagation path 22120 may be defined by a firstchief ray 22138 formed between the first energy location 22122 and thefirst energy waveguide 22104. The first energy propagation path 22120may comprise rays 22138A and 22138B, formed between the first energylocation 22122 and the first energy waveguide 22104, which are directedby first energy waveguide 22104 along energy propagation paths 22120Aand 22120B, respectively. The first energy propagation path 22120 mayextend from the first energy waveguide 22104 towards the second side ofthe array 22114. In an embodiment, energy directed along the firstenergy propagation path 22120 comprises one or more energy propagationpaths between or including energy propagation paths 22120A and 22120B,which are directed through the first energy waveguide 22104 in adirection that is substantially parallel to the angle propagated throughthe second side 22114 by the first chief ray 22138.

Embodiments may be configured such that energy directed along the firstenergy propagation path 22120 may exit the first energy waveguide 22104in a direction that is substantially parallel to energy propagationpaths 22120A and 22120B and to the first chief ray 22138. It may beassumed that an energy propagation path extending through an energywaveguide element 22112 on the second side 22114 comprises a pluralityof energy propagation paths of a substantially similar propagationdirection.

FIG. 23 is a front view illustration of an embodiment of energywaveguide system 2300. The first energy propagation path 23120 mayextend towards the second side of the array in a unique direction 23208extending from the first energy waveguide 23104, which is determined atleast by the first energy location 23122. The first energy waveguide23104 may be defined by a spatial coordinate 23204, and the uniquedirection 23208 which is determined at least by first energy location23122 may be defined by an angular coordinate 23206 defining thedirections of the first energy propagation path 23120. The spatialcoordinate 23204 and the angular coordinate 23206 may form afour-dimensional plenoptic coordinate set 23210 which defines the uniquedirection 23208 of the first energy propagation path 23120.

Referring back to FIG. 22, in an embodiment, energy directed along thefirst energy propagation path 22120 through the first energy waveguide22104 substantially fills a first aperture 22134 of the first energywaveguide 22104, and propagates along one or more energy propagationpaths which lie between energy propagation paths 22120A and 22120B andare parallel to the direction of the first energy propagation path22120. In an embodiment, the one or more energy propagation paths thatsubstantially fill the first aperture 22134 may comprise greater than50% of the first aperture 22134 diameter.

In a preferred embodiment, energy directed along the first energypropagation path 22120 through the first energy waveguide 22104 whichsubstantially fills the first aperture 22134 may comprise between 50% to80% of the first aperture 22134 diameter.

Turning again to FIGS. 22 and 24A-H, in an embodiment, the energywaveguide system 22100 may further comprise an energy inhibiting element22124 positioned to limit propagation of energy between the first side22116 and the second side 22114 and to inhibit energy propagationbetween adjacent waveguides 22112. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting element is configured to inhibit energy propagation along aportion of the first subset 24290 of the plurality of energy propagationpaths 22108 that do not extend through the first aperture 22134. In anembodiment, the energy inhibiting element 22124 may be located on thefirst side 22116 between the array of energy waveguides 22112 and theplurality of energy locations 22118. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting element 22124 may be located on the second side 22114 betweenthe plurality of energy locations 22118 and the energy propagation paths22108. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 22124 may belocated on the first side 22116 or the second side 22114 orthogonal tothe array of energy waveguides 22112 or the plurality of energylocations 22118.

In an embodiment, energy directed along the first energy propagationpath 22120 may converge with energy directed along a second energypropagation path 22126 through a second energy waveguide 22128. Thefirst and second energy propagation paths may converge at a location22130 on the second side 22114 of the array 22112. In an embodiment, athird and fourth energy propagation paths 22140, 22141 may also convergeat a location 22132 on the first side 22116 of the array 22112. In anembodiment, a fifth and sixth energy propagation paths 22142, 22143 mayalso converge at a location 22136 between the first and second sides22116, 22114 of the array 22112.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide system 22100 may comprisestructures for directing energy such as: a structure configured to alteran angular direction of energy passing therethrough, for example arefractive, diffractive, reflective, gradient index, holographic, orother optical element; a structure comprising at least one numericalaperture; a structure configured to redirect energy off at least oneinternal surface; an optical relay; etc. It is to be appreciated thatthe waveguides 22112 may include any one or combination of bidirectionalenergy directing structure or material, such as:

a) refraction, diffraction, or reflection;

b) single or compound multilayered elements;

c) holographic optical elements and digitally encoded optics;

d) 3D printed elements or lithographic masters or replicas;

e) Fresnel lenses, gratings, zone plates, binary optical elements;

f) retro reflective elements;

g) fiber optics, total internal reflection or Anderson Localization;

h) gradient index optics or various refractive index matching materials;

i) glass, polymer, gas, solids, liquids;

j) acoustic waveguides;

k) micro & nano scale elements; or

l) polarization, prisms or beam splitters.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide systems propagate energybidirectionally. In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configuredfor propagation of mechanical energy. In an embodiment, the energywaveguides are configured for propagation of electromagnetic energy.

In an embodiment, by interlacing, layering, reflecting, combining, orotherwise provisioning the appropriate material properties within one ormore structures within an energy waveguide element, and within one ormore layers comprising an energy waveguide system, the energy waveguidesare configured for simultaneous propagation of mechanical,electromagnetic and/or other forms of energy.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides propagate energy with differingratios for u and v respectively within a 4D coordinate system. In anembodiment, the energy waveguides propagate energy with an anamorphicfunction. In an embodiment, the energy waveguides comprise multipleelements along the energy propagation path. In an embodiment, the energywaveguides are directly formed from optical fiber relay polishedsurfaces. In an embodiment, the energy waveguide system comprisesmaterials exhibiting Transverse Anderson Localization. In an embodiment,the energy waveguide system propagates hypersonic frequencies toconverge tactile sensation in a volumetric space.

FIGS. 24A-H are illustrations of various embodiments of energyinhibiting element 22124. For the avoidance of doubt, these embodimentsare provided for exemplary purposes and in no way limiting to the scopeof the combinations or implementations provided within the scope of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 24A illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations24118 wherein an energy inhibiting element 24251 is placed adjacent tothe surface of the energy locations 24118 and comprises a specifiedrefractive, diffractive, reflective, or other energy altering property.The energy inhibiting element 24251 may be configured to limit the firstsubset of energy propagation paths 24290 to a smaller range ofpropagation paths 24253 by inhibiting propagation of energy along energypropagation paths 24252. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting elementis an energy relay with a numerical aperture less than 1.

FIG. 24B illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations24118 wherein an energy inhibiting structure 24254 is placed orthogonalbetween regions of energy locations 24118, and wherein the energyinhibiting structure 24254 exhibits an absorptive property, and whereinthe inhibiting energy structure 24254 has a defined height along anenergy propagation path 24256 such that certain energy propagation paths24B255 are inhibited. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure24254 is hexagonal in shape. In an embodiment, the energy inhibitingstructure 24254 is round in shape. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting structure 24254 is non-uniform in shape or size along anyorientation of the propagation path. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting structure 24254 is embedded within another structure withadditional properties.

FIG. 24C illustrates the plurality of energy locations 24118, wherein afirst energy inhibiting structure 24257 is configured to substantiallyorient energy 24259 propagating therethrough into a first state. Asecond energy inhibiting structure 24258 is configured to allow energy24259, which is substantially oriented in the first state, to propagatetherethrough, and to limit propagation of energy 24260 orientedsubstantially dissimilarly to the first state. In an embodiment, theenergy inhibiting element 24257, 24258 is an energy polarizing elementpair. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 24257, 24258 is anenergy wave band pass element pair. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting element 24257, 24258 is a diffractive waveguide pair.

FIG. 24D illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations24118, wherein an energy inhibiting element 24261 is structured to alterenergy propagation paths 24263 to a certain extent depending upon whichof the plurality of energy locations 24118 the energy propagation paths24263 extends through. Energy inhibiting element 24261 may alter energypropagation paths 24263 in a uniform or non-uniform way along energypropagation paths 24263 such that certain energy propagation paths 24262are inhibited. An energy inhibiting structure 24254 is placed orthogonalbetween regions of energy locations 24118, and wherein the energyinhibiting structure 24254 exhibits an absorptive property, and whereinthe inhibiting energy structure 24254 has a defined height along anenergy propagation path 24263 such that certain energy propagation paths24262 are inhibited. In an embodiment, an inhibiting element 24261 is afield lens. In an embodiment, an inhibiting element 24261 is adiffractive waveguide. In an embodiment, an inhibiting element 24261 isa curved waveguide surface.

FIG. 24E illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations24118, wherein an energy inhibiting element 24264 provides an absorptiveproperty to limit the propagation of energy 24266 while allowing otherpropagation paths 24267 to pass.

FIG. 24F illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations24118, and the plurality of energy waveguides 24112, wherein a firstenergy inhibiting structure 24268 is configured to substantially orientenergy 24270 propagating therethrough into a first state. A secondenergy inhibiting structure 24271 is configured to allow energy 24270,which is substantially oriented in the first state, to propagatetherethrough, and to limit propagation of energy 24269 orientedsubstantially dissimilarly to the first state. In order to furthercontrol energy propagation through a system, exemplified by the strayenergy propagation 24272, energy inhibiting structures 24268, 24271 mayrequire a compound energy inhibiting element to ensure energypropagation maintains accurate propagation paths.

FIG. 24G illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations24118, and wherein an energy inhibiting element 24276 provides anabsorptive property to limit the propagation of energy along energypropagation path 24278 while allowing other energy along energypropagation path 24277 to pass through a pair of energy waveguides 24112for an effective aperture 24284 within the array of waveguides 24112. Inan embodiment, energy inhibiting element 24276 comprises black chrome.In an embodiment, energy inhibiting element 24276 comprises anabsorptive material. In an embodiment, energy inhibiting element 24276comprises a transparent pixel array. In an embodiment, energy inhibitingelement 24276 comprises an anodized material.

FIG. 24H illustrates an embodiment comprising a plurality of energylocations 24118, and a plurality of energy waveguides 24112, wherein afirst energy inhibiting structure 24251 is placed adjacent to thesurface of the energy locations 24118 and comprises a specifiedrefractive, diffractive, reflective, or other energy altering property.The energy inhibiting structure 24251 may be configured to limit thefirst subset of energy propagation paths 24290 to a smaller range ofpropagation paths 24275 by inhibiting propagation of energy along energypropagation paths 24274. A second energy inhibiting structure 24261 isstructured to alter energy propagation paths 24275 to a certain extentdepending upon which of the plurality of energy locations 24118 theenergy propagation paths 24275 extends through. Energy inhibitingstructure 261 may alter energy propagation paths 24275 in a uniform ornon-uniform way such that certain energy propagation paths 24274 areinhibited. A third energy inhibiting structure 24254 is placedorthogonal between regions of energy locations 24118. The energyinhibiting structure 24254 exhibits an absorptive property, and has adefined height along an energy propagation path 24275 such that certainenergy propagation paths 24274 are inhibited. An energy inhibitingelement 24276 provides an absorptive property to limit the propagationof energy 24280 while allowing energy 24281 to pass through. A compoundsystem of similar or dissimilar waveguide elements 24112 are positionedto substantially fill an effective waveguide element aperture 24285 withenergy from the plurality of energy locations 24118 and to alter thepropagation path 24273 of energy as defined by a particular system.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 24276 may comprise astructure for attenuating or modifying energy propagation paths. In anembodiment, the energy inhibiting element 24276 may include one or moreenergy absorbing elements or walls positioned within the system to limitpropagation of energy to or from the waveguides 24112. In an embodiment,the energy inhibiting element 24276 may include a specified numericalaperture, positioned within the system to limit the angular distributionof energy to and from waveguide 24112.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 24276 may include one ormore energy blocking walls, structures, metal, plastic, glass, epoxy,pigment, liquid, display technologies or other absorptive or structuralmaterial, with a determined thickness between a plane of energylocations 24122 and a waveguide array plane with voids or structuresthat are up to the pitch of a waveguide aperture diameter.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 24254 is locatedproximate the first energy location 24122 and comprises an optical relayfaceplate adjacent to the first energy location 24122. In an embodiment,the energy inhibiting element 24276 may include an optical relayfaceplate comprising one or more spatially consistent or variablenumerical apertures, wherein the numerical aperture value meaningfullylimits the angular distribution of energy to and from the waveguide24112. For example, an embodiment of the numerical aperture may bedesigned to provide an angular distribution that is at or near two timesthe field of view formed between the energy location and perpendicularto the center of the effective waveguide element size, entrance pupil,aperture, or other physical parameter for energy propagation, to provideoff-axis fill factor for the specified waveguide aperture 24285.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 24276 may include abinary, gradient index, Fresnel, holographic optical element, zone plateor other diffractive optical element that alters the path of energywaves through the system to decrease scatter, diffusion, stray light, orchromatic aberration. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element24276 may include a positive or negative optical element at or aroundthe location wherein the energy propagation path is altered to furtherincrease the fill factor of the waveguide aperture 24285 or decreasestray light. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 24276 mayinclude an active or passive polarized element combined with a secondactive or passive polarized element designed to provide spatial or timemultiplexed attenuation of defined regions of the energy location 24122,waveguide aperture 24285, or other regions. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting element 24276 may include an active or passive aperture stopbarrier designed to provide spatial or time multiplexed attenuation ofdefined regions of the energy location 24122, waveguide aperture 24276or other regions. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 24276many include any one the following or any combination thereof:

a) physical energy baffle structures;

b) volumetric, tapered or faceted mechanical structures;

c) aperture stops or masks;

d) optical relays and controlled numerical apertures;

e) refraction, diffraction, or reflection;

f) retro reflective elements;

g) single or compound multilayered elements;

h) holographic optical elements and digitally encoded optics;

i) 3D printed elements or lithographic masters or replicas;

j) Fresnel lenses, gratings, zone plates, binary optical elements;

k) fiber optics, total internal reflection or Anderson localization;

l) gradient index optics or various refractive index matching materials;

m) glass, polymer, gas, solids, liquids;

n) milli, micro & nano scale elements; and

o) polarization, prisms or beam splitters

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 24254 may beconstructed to include hexagonally packed energy blocking bafflesconstructed to form voids that are tapered along the Z axis, decreasingin void size as the aperture stop location for the waveguide system isreached. In another embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 24254may be constructed to include hexagonally packed energy blocking bafflesbonded to an optical relay face plate. In another embodiment, the energyinhibiting structure 24254 may be constructed to include hexagonallypacked energy blocking baffles filled with a prescribed refractive indexto further alter the path of energy wave projection to and from theenergy waveguide array. In another embodiment, a diffractive orrefractive element may be placed, attached or bonded to the energyblocking baffle with a defined waveguide prescription to further alterthe path of energy projection to and from the waveguide elements 24112.In another example, the energy inhibiting structure 24524 may be formedinto a single mechanical assembly, and the energy waveguide array 24524may be placed, attached or bonded to the assembled energy inhibitingelement 24524. It is to be appreciated that other implementations may beleveraged to enable other energy waveguide configurations orsuper-resolution considerations.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 24524 may be locatedproximate the first energy location 24122 and generally extend towardsthe first energy waveguide 24104. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting structure 24524 may be located proximate the first energywaveguide 24104 and generally extend towards the first energy location24122.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting elements are configured forinhibiting electromagnetic energy. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting elements are configured for inhibiting mechanical energy. Inan embodiment, by interlacing, layering, reflecting, combining, orotherwise provisioning the appropriate material properties within one ormore structures within an energy inhibiting element, and within one ormore layers comprising an energy waveguide system, the energy inhibitingelements are configured for simultaneous attenuation of mechanical,electromagnetic and/or other forms of energy.

In an embodiment, an array of energy waveguides may be arranged to forma planar surface, or a curved surface of a desirable shape. FIG. 28 isan illustration of an embodiment 28100 featuring an array of energywaveguides 28102 arranged in a curved configuration.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to direct energyof any wavelength belonging to the electromagnetic spectrum, includingvisible light, ultraviolet, infrared, x-ray, etc. The present disclosuremay also be configured to direct other forms of energy such as acousticsound vibrations and tactile pressure waves.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of an additional embodiment of an energywaveguide system 25300. The energy waveguide system 25300 may define aplurality of energy propagation paths 25304, and may comprise areflector element 25314 comprising a first reflector 25306 located on afirst side 25310 of the reflector element 25314, the first reflector25306 comprising one or more aperture stops 25316 formed therethrough,and a second reflector 25308 located on a second side 25312 of thereflector element 25314, the second reflector 25308 comprising one ormore aperture stops 25318 formed therethrough. The first and secondreflectors 25306, 25308 are configured to direct energy along aplurality of energy propagation paths 25304 extending through theaperture stops of the first and second reflectors 25316, 25318 and aplurality of energy locations 25320 on the first side 25310 of thereflector element 25314. A first subset 25322 of the plurality of energypropagation paths 25304 extend through a first energy location 25324.The reflector element 25314 is configured to direct energy along a firstenergy propagation path 25326 of the first subset 25322 of the pluralityof energy propagation paths 25304.

In an embodiment, the first energy propagation path 25326 may be definedby a first chief ray 25338 formed between the first energy location25324 and a first aperture stop 25328 of the first reflector 25306. Thefirst energy propagation path 25326 may extend from a first aperturestop 25330 of the second reflector 25308 towards the second side 25312of the reflector element 25314 in a unique direction extending from thefirst aperture stop 25330 of the second reflector 25308, which isdetermined at least by the first energy location 25324.

In an embodiment, energy directed along the first energy propagationpath 25326 substantially fills the first aperture stop 25328 of thefirst reflector 25306 and the first aperture stop 25330 of the secondreflector 25308.

In an embodiment, an energy inhibiting element 25332 may be positionedto limit propagation of energy along a portion 25350 of the first subset25322 of the plurality of energy propagation paths 25304 that do notextend through the first aperture stop 25328 of the first reflector25306.

In an embodiment in which the energy is light and the energy waveguideis operable to direct said light, with a perfect parabolic structure,any ray that passes through, or from, the focus of the first reflectorwill reflect parallel to the optical axis, reflect off of the secondreflector, and then relay at the same angle in the inverse orientation.

In an embodiment, the first reflector and second reflector havediffering focal lengths, in order to produce varied magnification of theenergy information and/or to alter angular field of view coverage as aviewer from above the surface of the second reflector would view thereflected information. The aperture stops may be of differing sizes forvaried design purposes in collaboration with the varied focal lengths.

An additional embodiment is provided where both reflective surfaces areconical, faceted, curved in a non-linear shape or otherwise. The designof this curvature is critical to ensuring that the display informationand the viewed information may have a non-linear relationship to changeor simplify signal processing.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides comprise flexible reflectivesurfaces capable of altering the reflective surface profile dynamicallyto change the propagation path of energy through the energy waveguidesystem.

In an embodiment, additional waveguides, including but not limited toreflective or optical elements, birefringent materials, liquid lenses,refractive, diffractive, holographic, or the like, may be locatedanywhere within the energy propagation path. With this approach, onesuch embodiment provides a design such that when viewed, the view anglesare at significantly different position than the aperture stop and focallength would have provided otherwise. FIG. 26 demonstrates one suchapplication of this approach.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of an embodiment of an energy waveguidesystem 26700. Energy waveguide system 26700 comprises first and secondreflectors 26702 and 26704, respectively. Positioned at the focus of thefirst reflector 26702 are additional optical elements 26706 and anenergy inhibitor 26707 perpendicular to the energy location 26708. Theadditional optical elements are designed to affect energy propagationpaths of energy propagating through energy waveguide system 26700.Additional waveguide elements may be included within the energywaveguide system 26700, or additional energy waveguide systems may beplaced into the energy propagation path.

In an embodiment, the array of energy waveguide elements may include:

a) A hexagonal packing of the array of energy waveguides;

b) A square packing of the array of energy waveguides;

c) An irregular or semi-regular packing of the array of energywaveguides;

d) Curved or Non-planar array of energy waveguides;

e) Spherical array of energy waveguides;

f) Cylindrical array of energy waveguides;

g) Tilted regular array of energy waveguides;

h) Tilted irregular array of energy waveguides;

i) Spatially varying array of energy waveguides;

j) Multi-layered array of energy waveguides;

FIG. 27 highlights the differences between square packing 27901, hexpacking 27902 and irregular packing 27903 of an array of energywaveguide elements.

Several different geometries for CES particles and material pre-formshave been illustrated thus far. One important aspect of the presentdisclosure is that any arrangement or geometry of materials may beleveraged, so long as they abide by the criteria for ordereddistributions previously discussed. However, the pre-fused relaymaterial geometry may have a significant impact on the efficiency of thelocalization and energy propagation properties of the materials. Certaingeometries, known as convex uniform tilings, may provide advantageousdistributions of relay materials by arranging the materials in efficientconfigurations.

The Laves tilings have vertices at the centers of the regular polygons,and edges connecting centers of regular polygons that share an edge. Thetiles of the Laves tilings are called planigons including 3 regulartiles (triangle, square and pentagon) and 8 irregular ones. Each vertexhas edges evenly spaced around it. Three dimensional analogues of theplanigons are called stereohedrons.

All reflectional forms can be made by Wythoff constructions, representedby Wythoff symbols, or Coxeter-Dynkin diagrams, each operating upon oneof three Schwarz triangle (4,4,2), (6,3,2), or (3,3,3), with symmetryrepresented by Coxeter groups: [4,4], [6,3], or [3[3]]. Only one uniformtiling can't be constructed by a Wythoff process, but can be made by anelongation of the triangular tiling. An orthogonal mirror construction[00,2,00] also exists, seen as two sets of parallel mirrors making arectangular fundamental domain. If the domain is square, this symmetrycan be doubled by a diagonal mirror into the [4,4] family. We disclosewithin this provisional the geometries that may be leveraged.

A percolation model is to take a regular lattice, like a square lattice,and make it into a random network by randomly “occupying” sites(vertices) or bonds (edges) with a statistically independent probabilityp. At a critical threshold pc, large clusters and long-rangeconnectivity first appears, and this is called the percolationthreshold. Depending on the method for obtaining the random network, onedistinguishes between the site percolation threshold and the bondpercolation threshold. More general systems have several probabilitiesp1, p2, etc., and the transition is characterized by a critical surfaceor manifold. One can also consider continuum systems, such asoverlapping disks and spheres placed randomly, or the negative space.

When the occupation of a site or bond is completely random, this is theso-called Bernoulli percolation. For a continuum system, randomoccupancy corresponds to the points being placed by a Poisson process.Further variations involve correlated percolation, such as percolationclusters related to Ising and Potts models of ferromagnets, in which thebonds are put down by the Fortuin-Kasteleyn method. In bootstrap ork-sat percolation, sites and/or bonds are first occupied and thensuccessively culled from a system if a site does not have at least kneighbors. Another important model of percolation, in a differentuniversality class altogether, is directed percolation, whereconnectivity along a bond depends upon the direction of the flow.

Simply duality in two dimensions implies that all fully triangulatedlattices (e.g., the triangular, union jack, cross dual, martini dual andasanoha or 3-12 dual, and the Delaunay triangulation) all have sitethresholds of ½, and self-dual lattices (square, martini-B) have bondthresholds of ½.

Leveraging tiled structures may have the result of altering therespective holographic pixel aspect ratio, while providing variation infield of view spatially and/or volumetrically.

Reduction in moiré or repeating patterns may also provide increasedeffective resolution and simultaneously provides higher potential levelsof accuracy (increase in depth of field) by virtue of the variousconvergence locations that may be addressed. Increased efficiency ofresolution may also be achieved by packing more effective resolution inpotential dimensions that are more ideal for applications by notnecessarily leveraging a repeating single orientation or pattern.

Energy waveguides may be fabricated on a glass or plastic substrate tospecifically include optical relay elements if desirable and may bedesigned with glass or plastic optical elements to specifically includeoptical relays as well as desired. Furthermore, the energy waveguide maybe faceted for designs that provide multiple propagation paths or othercolumn/row or checkerboard orientations, specifically considering butnot limited to multiple propagation paths separated by beam-splitters orprisms, or tiled for waveguide configurations that allow for tiling, ora singular monolithic plate, or tiled in a curved arrangement (e.g.faceted cylinder or spherical with geometry alterations to the tiles tomate accordingly), curved surfaces to include but not limited tospherical and cylindrical or any other arbitrary geometry as requiredfor a specific application.

In an embodiment where the array of energy waveguides comprises a curvedconfiguration, the curved waveguide may be produced via heat treatmentsor by direct fabrication onto curved surfaces to include optical relayelements.

In an embodiment, the array of energy waveguides may abut otherwaveguides and may cover entire walls and/or ceilings and or roomsdepending on specific application. The waveguides may be designedexplicitly for substrate up or substrate down mounting. The waveguidemay be designed to mate directly to an energy surface or be offset withan air gap or other offset medium. The waveguide may include analignment apparatus to provide the ability to focus the plane activelyor passively either as a permanent fixture or a tooling element. Thepurposes of the geometries described is to help optimize the angle ofview defined by the normal of the waveguide element and the representedimagery. For a very large energy surface planar surface, the majority ofthe angular samples at the left and right-most of the surface are mainlyoutside of the viewing volume for an environment. For that same energysurface, with a curved contour and a curved waveguide, the ability touse more of these propagating rays to form the converging volume isincreased significantly. This is however at the expense of usableinformation when off-axis. The application specific nature of the designgenerally dictates which of the proposed designs will be implemented.Furthermore, a waveguide may be designed with regular, graduated, orregional element structures that are fabricated with an additionalwaveguide element to tilt the element towards a predetermined waveguideaxis.

In embodiments where the energy waveguides are lenses, the embodimentsmay include both convex and concave lenslets, and may include thefabrication of the lenses directly onto an optical relay surface. Thismay involve destructive or additive lenslet fabrication processes toinclude removal of material to form or stamp and lenslet profile, or thedirect replica fabricated directly to this surface.

An embodiment may include a multiple layered waveguide design thatprovides additional energy propagation optimizations and angularcontrol. All of the above embodiments may be combined togetherindependently or in conjunction with this approach. In an embodiment, amultiple layered design may be envisioned with tilted waveguidestructures on a first waveguide element and a regionally varyingstructure for a second waveguide element.

An embodiment includes the design and fabrication of a per element, orper region liquid lens waveguide joined together as a single waveguide.An additional design of this approach includes a single birefringent orliquid lens waveguide electrical cell that can modify an entirewaveguide array simultaneously. This design provides the ability todynamically control the effective waveguide parameters of the systemwithout redesigning the waveguide.

In an embodiment configured to direct light, with any combination of thedisclosures provided herein, it is possible to generate a wall mounted2D, light field or holographic display. The wall mounted configurationis designed such that a viewer is looking at an image that may float infront, at or behind of the designed display surface. With this approach,the angular distribution of rays may be uniform, or provided withincreased density at any particular placement in space depending onspecific display requirements. In this fashion, it is possible toconfigure the waveguides to alter angular distribution as a function ofsurface profile. For example, for a given distance perpendicular to thedisplay surface and a planar waveguide array, an optically perfectwaveguide would provide increased density at the perpendicular center ofthe display with a gradual increase in ray separation distance along agiven perpendicular distance to the display. Conversely, if viewing therays radially about the display where a viewer maintains a distancebetween the eyes and the center point of the display, the viewed rayswould maintain consistent density across the entire field of view.Depending on the anticipated viewing conditions, the properties of eachelement may be optimized by altering the waveguide functions to produceany potential distribution of rays to optimize the viewing experiencefor any such environment.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of an embodiment 29200 which highlights how asingle waveguide element function 29202 may produce identicaldistribution of energy 29204 across a radial viewing environment 29206,whereas the same waveguide element function 29202 when propagated at adistance 29208 that is constant and parallel to the waveguide surface29210 will appear to exhibit increased density at the waveguide elementcenter 29212 of the waveguide surface and decreased density further fromthe center 29212 of the waveguide surface.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of an embodiment 30300 which illustratesconfiguring the waveguide element functions 30302 to exhibit uniformdensity at a constant distance 30304 parallel to the waveguide surface30306 that simultaneously produces apparent lower density at the center30310 of the waveguide surface 30306 when measured about a radius 30308about the center of the waveguide surface 30306.

The ability to generate a waveguide function that varies samplingfrequency over field distance is a characteristic of various waveguidedistortions and known in the art. Traditionally, the inclusion ofdistortions are undesirable in a waveguide function, however, for thepurposes of waveguide element design, these are all characteristics thatare claimed as benefits to the ability to further control and distributethe propagation of energy depending on the specific viewing volumerequired. It may require the addition of multiple functions or layers ora gradient of functions across the entirety of the waveguide arraydepending on the viewing volume requirements.

In an embodiment, the functions are further optimized by curved surfacesof the energy surface and/or the waveguide array. The variation of thenormal of the chief ray angle in relation to the energy surface itselfmay further increase efficiency and require a different function than aplanar surface, although the gradient, variation and/or optimization ofthe waveguide function still applies.

Further, leveraging the resultant optimized waveguide array inconsideration of waveguide stitching methodologies, it is possible tofurther increase the effective size of the waveguide by tiling each ofthe waveguides and systems to produce any size or form-factor desired.It is important to note that the waveguide array may exhibit a seamartifact unlike the energy surface by virtue of reflections producedbetween any two separate substrates, the apparent contrast differentialat the mechanical seam, or due to any form of non-square grid packingschema. To counteract this effect, either a larger singular waveguidemay be produced, refractive matching materials may be leveraged betweenthe edges of any two surfaces, or regular waveguide grid structures maybe employed to ensure that no elements are split between two waveguidesurfaces, and/or precision cutting between energy inhibiting elementsand seaming along a non-square waveguide grid structure may beleveraged.

With this approach, it is possible to produce room scale 2D, light fieldand/or holographic displays. These displays may be seamless across largeplanar or curved walls, may be produced to cover all walls in a cubicfashion, or may be produced in a curved configuration where either acylindrical-type shape, or a spherical-type shape is formed to increaseview angle efficiency of the overall system.

Alternatively, it is possible to design a waveguide function that warpsthe propagated energy to virtually eliminate the region that is notdesired in the required angle of view resulting in a non-uniformdistribution of energy propagation. To accomplish this, one mayimplement a Taurus shaped optical profile, annular lens, concentricprism array, a Fresnel or diffractive function, binary, refractive,holographic, and/or any other waveguide design may allow for a largeraperture and shorter focal length (herein will be referred to as a“Fresnel lenslet”) to provide the ability to practically form a singleor multi element (or multiple sheets) Fresnel waveguide array. This mayor may not be combined with additional optics, including an additionalwaveguide array, depending on waveguide configuration.

In order to produce wide energy propagation angles (e.g. 180 degrees) avery low effective f/number (e.g. <f/0.5) is required and in order toensure that no 4D “Disk Flipping” occurs (the ability for the ray fromone waveguide element to see undesired energy locations underneath ofany second waveguide element), it is further required that the focallength be appropriately matched closely to the angle of view required.This means that in order to produce a ˜160 degree viewing volume, an˜f/0.17 lens and a nearly matched ˜0.17 mm focal length is required.

FIG. 31 illustrates an embodiment 31400 wherein the plurality of energywaveguides comprise diffractive waveguide elements 31402, anddemonstrates one proposed structure for a modified Fresnel waveguideelement structure 31404 that produces an effectively extremely shortfocal length and low f/number while simultaneously directing rays ofenergy to explicitly defined locations 31406.

FIG. 32 illustrates an embodiment 32500 wherein the plurality of energywaveguides comprise elements 32502, and demonstrates how such awaveguide configuration 32506 may be used in an array to provide fulldensity of ray propagation for the desired viewing volume 32504.

A further embodiment of the proposed modified waveguide configurationprovides for a method to produce radially symmetric or spiraling ringsor gradient of two or more materials along either or both of atransverse or longitudinal orientation with a refractive index separatedby a predetermined amount with a per ring pitch with a diameter of X,where X may be constant or variable.

In a further embodiment, equal or non-linear distribution of all of therays are produced with or without the modified waveguide configurationsfor wall-mounted and/or table-mounted waveguide structures as well asall room or environment based waveguide structures where multiplewaveguides are tiled.

With a waveguide array, it is possible to produce planes of projectedlight that converge in space at a location that is not located at thesurface of the display itself. By ray-tracing these rays, one canclearly see the geometry involved and how converging rays may appearboth in-screen (away from the viewer) as well as off-screen (towardsviewer) or both simultaneously. As planes move away from the viewer onplanar displays with traditional waveguide array designs, the planestend to grow with the frustum of the viewpoint and may become occludedby the physical frame of the display itself depending on the number ofcontributing illumination sources. By contrast, as planes move towardthe viewer on planar displays with traditional waveguide array designs,the planes tend to shrink with the frustum of the viewpoint but areviewable from all angles at the specified location as long as the vieweris at an angle presenting energy to the eye and the virtual plane doesnot move beyond the angle created between the viewer and the far edge ofthe active display area.

In one embodiment, the viewed 2D image or images are presented off ofthe screen. In another embodiment, the viewed 2D image or images arepresented in screen.

In another embodiment, the viewed 2D image or images are presentedsimultaneously both in and/or off screen. In another embodiment, theviewed 2D image or images are presented in combination with othervolumetric elements or presented as text for other graphic design orinteractive reasons. In another embodiment, the viewed 2D image orimages are presented with higher effective 2D resolution than thephysical number of X and Y waveguide elements would otherwise suggestdue to the ability for rays to converge with higher density in spacethan physical elements.

The novelty of this approach is that it is entirely possible tomanufacture a holographic display that produces both volumetric imagingcapabilities, as well as extremely high resolution 2D imagery such thatthere is no further mechanical or electronic apparatus or alterationsnecessary to the waveguides in the display to move seamlessly betweenflat and volumetric imagery or produce other interesting effects.

With this property, it is possible to programmatically isolate certainillumination sources to present to a viewer that is only visible atexplicit angles to the display.

In one embodiment, a single pixel or group of pixels are illuminatedunder each waveguide element at an angle that triangulates to theviewer's eye and presents an image that is only viewable from thatviewer's position in space.

In another embodiment, a second illumination source or group ofillumination sources are presented simultaneously to triangulate to aposition that is only viewable by a second viewer and contains an imagethat may be the same or different than the first image presented to thefirst viewer. For the avoidance of doubt, this may be X addressableviewpoints where X represents the number of individually addressableviewpoints which may be one or more.

In another embodiment, these images are presented with eye, retinal,object or the like tracking leveraging sensors and algorithms known inthe art, to dynamically vary the illuminated pixel location to presentimagery dynamically to a triangulated location between the viewer andthe pixels under each waveguide element. This may be applied to one ormore viewers. The tracking may be performed as a 2D process or as a3D/stereoscopic process, or leveraging other depth sensing technologiesknown in the art.

In one embodiment, the first region and second region are both parabolicin profile, with the first region focus located at the apex of thesecond region and the second region focus located at the apex of thefirst region and the display surface located at an opening located atthe apex of the second region and an opening equivalent to the diameterof the display surface presented to the apex of the second regionlocated at the apex of the first region. With this approach, the displaysurface image will appear to float above a surface without any physicalsurfaces as the viewed rays that pass through the focus of the secondregion from an off-axis viewpoint will reflect off of the second regionsurface and parallel off of the first surface and then at the same anglefrom the viewed position in the inverse orientation from the firstregion to the display surface.

In an embodiment, a dual parabolic relay system that includes tworeflective regions each with a focus located at the apex of thealternate reflector, the display surface located at the apex of thesecond region, and an opening equivalent to the diameter of thepresented display surface located at the first region producing avirtual image of the display surface. In the event that a waveguidearray, holographic or light field display are leveraged, the viewedimagery will retain the nature of the holographic data as well asappearing to float in space without a physical display surface.

In another embodiment, the focus location of region two is differing toproduce magnification or minification. In a second embodiment, theregions have matched focal lengths and are offset by a distance greaterthan the focal length in order to produce a virtual image with increasedmagnification.

In another embodiment, the parabolic profiles are manufactured toaccommodate a specific shape that results in differing viewed positionsfrom the display to accommodate various display surface geometries orother required viewing angle or condition.

In another embodiment, the regions contain multiple facets in order toindependently propagate rays of light by facet region rather than as asingular surface.

In another embodiment, the reflective surface are formed of energyrelays such that the CRA of the energy surface exceeds the view anglepossible from the curve applied to one or more surface(s) wherein thefirst surface that would have otherwise been a reflective surface has acertain geometric profile and the second surface at the alternate end ofthe waveguide element has a certain geometric profile, and cumulativelythey have a CRA that reflects energy from a viewer's position and theaddition of energy surface panels at the second surface may beimplemented thereby providing energy information that is not viewablefrom the viewer's direct position but may provide energy informationindirectly through one or more reflective surfaces and the associatedcalibration process required to compute the reflected imaging data inrelation to the ultimately viewed data.

Configurations for Bi-Directional Seamless Energy Surfaces to PropagateTwo-Dimensional, Light Field and Holographic Energy

FIGS. 33A-33D illustrate four perspective views of tiling multipleenergy waveguide systems to form a seamless environment in differentshapes, in accordance with four embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 33A illustrates a perspective view of a large format aggregatedseamless energy surface 33910. FIG. 33B illustrates a perspective viewof a six-sided aggregated seamless surface environment 33920. FIG. 33Cillustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical aggregated energyenvironment 33930. FIG. 33D illustrates a perspective view of aspherical aggregated energy surface environment 33940 with a transparentplatform 33950 within.

Leveraging the resultant optimized energy system energy waveguide andsurface seaming processes, it is possible to further increase theeffective size of the system by tiling each of the energy surfaces andwaveguide elements to produce any size, shape, or form-factor desired.It is important to note that the waveguide element may exhibit a seamartifact by virtue of non-square grid waveguide element packing schema.To counter this effect, either a larger singular waveguide may beproduced, refractive matching materials may be leveraged between theedges of any two surfaces and cut to the angle required for a specifiedenvironment (e.g. systems placed at 90 degrees of each other may requirea 45 degree bezel cut for simplified bonding, although othermethodologies may be leveraged), and/or regular waveguide gridstructures may be employed to ensure that no waveguide elements aresplit between two waveguide surfaces. Further, it is possible toleverage non-square grid waveguide element structures and form a complexmechanical seam that follows the contour of the non-square grid patternand aligns to the energy inhibiting elements within the waveguidestructures to provide a seam at the location of a non-energytransmitting location of the waveguide element.

FIG. 33E illustrates, in one embodiment, one such tiled curved waveguideand energy surface 33960 wherein the mechanical seam follows thestructure of the edge of the walls of the energy inhibiting elementswithin the waveguide structures and leverages a bonding, mechanicalalignment, fusing, or the like process between the adjacent walls ofboth of the energy surfaces and waveguide surfaces to form the seamlessenergy waveguide system. As shown in the figure, the curved waveguideand energy surface 33960 includes four separate systems where waveguideseams can be seen prior to bonding, but may become seamless once bonded.It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that there can be moreor fewer than four separate systems and that the energy surface can haveany sizes depending on application.

In an embodiment, a tiled array of seamless energy systems areconstructed to form a room scale 2D, light field and/or holographicdisplay. These displays may be seamless across large planar or curvedwalls, may be produced to cover all walls in a cubic fashion, or may beproduced in a curved configuration where either a cylindrical-typeshape, or a spherical-type shape is formed to increase view angleefficiency of the overall system. Nothing in this description shouldassume that it is not possible to directly construct a room sized devicedirectly, this embodiment is disclosed as a variation to fabricationmethodologies and to further expand the utilization of a single productline into larger devices through tiling, fusing, bonding, attaching,and/or stitching. Further, nothing in this description should beinterpreted to limit the room sizes, scales, shapes designs or any otherlimiting attribute to the ability to generate arbitrary tiled shapes togenerate a completely immersive energy environment.

As further embodiments of the above, the energy waveguide systems andthe energy relay systems may be assembled in any combination to formvarious aggregated seamless surfaces. For example, FIG. 33A illustratesa cinema/wall sized large screen planar seamless energy surface, FIG.33B illustrates a rectangular room with four walls and/or six surfacesto additionally comprise the ceiling and/or floor covered with planarand tiled seamless energy surfaces, FIG. 33C illustrates a tiled curvedsurface that produces a cylindrically shaped seamless environment, andFIG. 33D illustrates a spherical or dome environment designed from thecurved surfaces of each individual energy surfaces and tiled to form theseamless spherical environment.

In some embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form a single planar or curved surface to create a seamlessaggregate surface oriented in a perpendicular configuration with respectto a floor surface, similar to the aggregated seamless energy surface33910 shown in FIG. 33A.

In other embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form a single planar or curved surface to create a seamlessaggregate surface oriented in a parallel configuration with respect to afloor surface, similar to the transparent platform 33950 as shown inFIG. 33D.

In some embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form two or more planar or curved surfaces to create aseamless aggregate surface across any combination of objects includingtables, walls, ceiling, floor or other surfaces.

In other embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form three planar or curved surfaces to create a seamlessaggregate surface across three adjacent walls.

In some embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form four planar or curved surfaces to create a seamlessaggregate surface across four enclosed walls.

In other embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form five planar or curved surfaces to create a seamlessaggregate surface across any combination of objects including tables,walls, ceiling, floor or other surfaces.

In some embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form six planar or curved surfaces to create a seamlessaggregate surface across four objects including tables, walls, ceiling,floor or other surfaces, in an enclosed environment, similar to theaggregated seamless energy surface 33920 shown in FIG. 33B.

In other embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form a planar or curved surface to create a seamlessaggregate cylindrical surface across any range of angles, volumes andcombinations of objects including tables, walls, ceiling, floor or othersurfaces, similar to the aggregated seamless energy surface 33930 shownin FIG. 33C.

In some embodiments, a plurality of energy waveguide systems and theenergy relay systems, similar to those discussed above, may be formedinto an aggregation system, where the plurality of energy systems areassembled to form a planar or curved surface to create a seamlessaggregate spherical or domed surface across any range of angles, volumesand combinations of objects including tables, walls, ceiling, floor orother surfaces, similar to the aggregated seamless energy surface 33940shown in FIG. 33D.

As depicted in FIGS. 33A-33D, each system may further include anassembly of the systems having tiled, light field optomechanicalsystems, and each system may be configured for light field display andother bidirectional energy emission, reflection, or sensing. Each systemmay comprise a base structure, one or more components forming an energysurface, one or more elements forming a waveguide capable of alteringthe path of energy waves transmitted to or received from the energysurface, one or more energy devices emitting or receiving energy wavesto or from the energy surface, and one or more electronic components. Inan embodiment, the energy surface, the waveguide, the energy devices,and the electronic components are secured to the base structure. And inanother embodiment, the assembly is arbitrarily shaped to form aseamless, tiled optomechanical display.

In one embodiment, the energy relay system may further include relayelements including faceplates and optical tapers. In another embodiment,the array of energy waveguides may be bonded into a single waveguidecomponent. In some embodiments, the energy relay system may be alignedand calibrated to the singular seamless energy surface passively oractively with up to pixel-by-pixel rectification leveraging an externalcalibration tooling station or alignment hardware.

In one embodiment, the energy waveguide system may be mounted parallelto the base structure. In another embodiment, the singular seamlessenergy surface may be mounted orthogonal to the base structure.

In one embodiment, the one or more relay elements includes fused ortiled mosaics, where any seams between adjacent fused or tiled mosaicsare separated by or are less than the minimum perceptible contour asdefined by the visual acuity of a human eye having better than 20/40vision at a distance at or greater than the width or height of thesingular seamless energy surface.

In operation, the energy system may be configured to relay light to form2D, stereoscopic, multiview, plenoptic, 4D, volumetric, light field,holographic, or any other visual representation of light. In otherembodiments, the energy system may be operable to emit, reflect orconverge frequencies to induce tactile sensation or volumetric hapticfeedback.

In some embodiments, the array of energy waveguide is designed toproject rays up to 360 degrees along a horizontal axis with additionalrays in a vertical axis, and limiting rays perpendicular to the singularseamless energy surface. In other embodiments, the energy system isconfigured for a floor-mounted assembly or a ceiling-mounted assembly,and optionally includes a transparent surface above the floor-mountedassembly.

Reference is now made to FIG. 36, which is a further embodiment of FIG.33D, wherein an orthogonal view of a spherical structure 36120illustrates where viewers are surrounded by tiled and curved energysurfaces 36122 and are elevated above the bottom floor surface on atransparent platform 36124, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 36 exemplifies the approach of decreasing angleof view requirements when placing a viewer within a central environmentvolume wherein a viewer or series of viewers exist within a range ofvolume (e.g., central viewing volume 36126) and demonstrates therelative angles of view required for each waveguide element for a givencentral viewing range (e.g., range of space that the viewers may movearound without loss of energy resolution).

A further embodiment of the above where equal or non-linear distributionof the rays are produced with or without Fresnel, diffractive, gradientindex, holographic optical element, digitally encoded or otherwisecustomized waveguide configurations for wall-mounted and/ortable-mounted energy waveguide structures as well as all room orenvironment based energy surface structures where multiple systems aretiled.

A further embodiment where a completely spherical or near-spherical orconical, cubic or other surrounding geometry, tiled energy structuresare produced and viewers walk on a transparent platform 36124 such thatthe energy surfaces 36122 are viewable in a radius surrounding theviewing volume 36126. In such a case, the rays propagate more normal tothe radial waveguide surface 36128 and leverage wall-mounted typewaveguide structures 36122 with distribution including perpendicularangles in relation to the normal of the curved surface in the requiredAOV.

FIG. 36 further illustrates spherical, conical and any non-planarenveloping surface where the viewing volume exists within a certainrelative energy focus position from the energy surfaces, resulting inthe possible optimization of a reduction of required angles of view fromeach respective waveguide. This phenomenon is produced by virtue of thenormal of the waveguide maintaining a much tighter relationship betweenthe viewer and the energy surface thus reducing the necessity forincreased angles of view that are traditionally required for planarsurfaces. FIG. 36 exemplifies this approach wherein a viewer or seriesof viewers exist within a range of volume and demonstrates the relativeangles of view required for each waveguide for a given central viewingrange (range of space that the viewers may move around without loss ofenergy propagation).

It is additionally possible to include multiple focus positions byaltering the waveguide prescription or by stacking multiple waveguidesor both to produce multiple regions of density along the z-axis whendirected to target specific regions in space for specific applications.It is additionally possible to layer multiple transmissive and/or onenon-transmissive and multiple transmissive energy surfaces wherein thewaveguide provides the ability to increase effective resolution throughvarious means of time sequential, spatial, or spatiotemporal superresolution, and may comprise two or more surfaces focused at differingpositions resulting in a change in propagation angle per energy surfaceand/or altering the physical location of the energy surface in relationto each other to produce angular dependencies in resultant energyvalues.

FIGS. 36, 33C and 33D additionally may include curved waveguidescommensurate with the curvature of the energy surface. The ability togenerate a waveguide function that varies sampling frequency over fielddistance is a characteristic of various distortions and known in theart. Traditionally, the inclusion of distortions are undesirable in awaveguide profile, however, for the purposes of curved waveguide elementdesign, these are all characteristics that further control anddistribute the rays of light depending on the specific viewingconditions desired. It may require the addition of multipleprescriptions, elements, layers or a gradient of prescriptions acrossthe entirety of the waveguide depending on the application andenvironment requirements.

An additional embodiment of the above where the prescriptions arefurther optimized by the curved surfaces of the energy surface and/orthe waveguide element. The variation of the normal of the chief rayangle (CRA) in relation to the energy surface itself may furtherincrease efficiency and require a different prescription than a planarwaveguide, although the gradient, variation and/or optimization of thewaveguide element still applies.

In a similar fashion as described for the variation of waveguideprescription to produce different energy ray densities depending ondistance and desired density as a function of spatial location, it isadditionally possible to further refine the prescription to generate ahorizontally viewable table-mounted waveguide.

Moving on to FIG. 34A illustrates a waveguide system 34400 having awaveguide element that exhibits a non-regular distribution of energydesigned to redistribute energy from a perpendicular orientation inrelation to waveguide surface to steeper angles throughout the element.In this embodiment, the plurality of energy waveguides may includediffractive waveguide elements 34402, and demonstrates one proposedstructure for a modified Fresnel waveguide element structure 34404 on aseamless energy surface 34408 that produces an effectively extremelyshort focal length and low f/number while simultaneously directing raysof energy to explicitly defined locations 34406. In another embodiment,the waveguide system 34400 includes non-regular waveguides 34410. Inoperation, there may be energy propagation within a first region 34420while there may be no energy propagation within a second region 34430.

FIG. 34B illustrates an orthogonal view of a table-mounted energysurface 34450 leveraging the waveguide elements from FIG. 34A, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 34Billustrates the variables to consider with a table-mounted energysurface to help articulate how it is possible to identify the specificsystem requirements. The considerations and goals for any such systemdesign are to produce an optimal distribution of energy for a givenenvironment.

For example, the energy surface 34450 may be oriented parallel to aground plane and for a given range of vertical and horizontal locations,configured to distribute energy with density appropriate for a desiredvertical and horizontal field of view 34455. In one embodiment, atable-mounted energy system requires the horizontal AOV to be 180degrees and the vertical to be 45 degrees. In a second embodiment, atable-mounted energy system requires the horizontal AOV to be 360degrees and the vertical to be 60 degrees. These embodiments arepresented for exemplary purposes only and in no way intended to limitthe scope of the numerous variations of system specifications that maybe designed.

As FIG. 34B illustrates, everything outside of the desired field of viewis un-utilized space. Taking the 360-degree example provided, while thefull 360 horizontal degrees require sufficient energy density, there arepotentially 30 degrees of vertical locations that are not required.While one may simply provide no energy to these regions in space, adesign with a waveguide function that provides information across180×180 degrees (when positioned perpendicular on a wall, 360 by 90degrees when placed parallel on a table), this is generally notefficient and results in energy densities that may not be practicalbased upon the target markets.

FIG. 34B illustrates an embodiment wherein the optomechanical assemblycomprises a waveguide exhibiting non-regular distribution of energyproviding 360 degrees in a horizontal axis and a limited distribution ina vertical axis with the energy surface parallel to a ground plane, byredirecting rays that would have otherwise been projected perpendicularto the energy surface. The assembly may be configured for afloor-mounted assembly or a ceiling-mounted assembly, and optionallyincludes a transparent platform above the floor-mounted assembly similarto those discussed above.

In one embodiment, the energy surface 34450 may include modifiedwaveguides having a viewing volume 34470 with a horizontal field of view34455. In this embodiment, the rays 34460 may be limited by the modifiedwaveguides on the energy surface 34450.

FIG. 34C illustrates an embodiment of the table-mounted waveguide systemof FIG. 34B comprising additional reflective waveguide elements havingan aperture to allow relayed converging energy from a first surface to asecond offset surface, and wherein the second surface is virtual. In oneembodiment, the system further includes a reflective waveguide elementhaving an aperture to relay converging energy from the singular seamlessenergy surface to virtual space.

In one embodiment, the waveguide system 34465 includes five energywaveguides 34470. Although five energy waveguides 34470 are shown, itwill be understood that there can be more or fewer waveguides. Theenergy waveguides 34470 may be coupled to a plurality of energy relays34474 to form a seamless energy surface 34476 in similar fashion asdescribed above. In one embodiment, the height 34472 of the energywaveguides 34470, the energy relays 34474 and the seamless energysurface 34476 may vary in relation to the object or focus as can beappreciated and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the table-mounted waveguide system 34465 mayinclude an additional reflective waveguide element 34490 having a firstreflector surface 34486 and a second reflector surface 34484. Thereflective waveguide element 34490 may include an aperture 34492 suchthat converging energy from the seamless energy surface 34476 may berelayed from the first reflector surface 34486 to the second reflectorsurface 34484 through the aperture 34492 to a viewer 34488. In otherwords, a first virtual object 34480 may be relayed and converged at avirtual space to form a second virtual object 34482.

As depicted in the various embodiments of this disclosure, anoptomechanical assembly may comprise energy relays inducing transverseAnderson localization and/or energy relays with two or more first orsecond surfaces for bidirectional propagation of energy.

FIG. 35 illustrates an orthogonal view of a floor-mounted tiled energysurface 35510 with a non-linear distribution of rays, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 35 exemplifies thefloor-mounted tiled assembly 35510 with the non-linear distribution ofrays that tend to exclude the perpendicular rays to the energy surface.While it may be possible to configure the floor mounted tiled assembly35510 in the same waveguide structure as the other environment surfaceswhere perpendicular rays and off-axis rays are provided with even, orsome form of, distribution, however, with the proposed table mountedapproach placed at or approximate to the feet of a standing position (orabove or below depending on the requirements for the system), it ispossible to further optimize the waveguide configuration as no raysdirectly perpendicular to the floor assembly 35510 surface may need tobe represented as one will be self-occluding these rays with their bodyand/or feet. As shown in FIG. 35, in the event of a multiple viewerexperience, the perpendicular rays will not be viewable by otherparticipants as the rays presented in a perpendicular orientation,unlike walls or ceilings, are occluded or not at the correct view angleto produce artifacts. In other words, the floor assembly 35510 may beconfigured with modified waveguide elements 35520 such that certain raysmay not be visible due to self-occlusion 35530.

FIG. 37 illustrates an orthogonal view of a system 37130 of five viewerlocations 37132 and five corresponding energy locations 37134 under eachwaveguide element 37136 to present a single ray bundle to each viewerthat is unique to a single viewer location, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 37 illustrates five viewerlocations 37132A, 37132B, 37132C, 37132D, 37132E and five energylocations 37134A, 37134B, 37134C, 37134D, 37134E under each waveguideelement 37136 and an energy surface 37138. These ray bundles propagatedto the viewer locations are a direct result of the waveguide elementfunctions. In this fashion, all energy is propagated up tosimultaneously addressing each of the specified viewer locations withoutadditional knowledge of said locations. It is additionally possible toconfigure the energy system of FIG. 37 to include depth sensing devicesand algorithms known in the art to dynamically vary the energy locationinformation propagated to each of the specified viewer locations. Thismay be applied to one or more viewers. The tracking may be performed asa 2D process or as a 3D/stereoscopic process, or leveraging other depthsensing technologies known in the art. As will be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, because of the different viewer locations 37132 andthe different energy locations 37134, unique plurality of rays 37139 maybe provided to each viewer at his or her respective viewer locations45132.

FIG. 38A illustrates an energy relay combining element 38600 thatcomprises a first surface and two interwoven second surfaces 38630wherein the second surface 38630 having both an energy emitting device38610 and an energy sensing device 38620. A further embodiment of FIG.38A includes an energy relay structure 38640 having two or moresub-structure components 38610, 38620 for at least one of two or moresecond relay surfaces 38630, that exhibits different engineeredproperties between the sub-structure components of the two or moresecond relay surfaces 38630, including sub-structure diameter, whereinthe sub-structure diameter for each of the one or more second surfaces38630 is substantially similar to the wavelength for a determined energydevice and energy frequency domain

FIG. 38B illustrates a further embodiment of FIG. 38A wherein the energywaveguide 38700 includes one or more element types 38710, 38720 withinone or more waveguide element surfaces 38730 and properties, where eachof the element types 38710, 38720 are designed to alter the propagationpath 38750, 38760 of a wavelength within the commensurate energyfrequency domain. In one embodiment, the energy waveguide 38700 mayinclude an electromagnetic energy emitting device 38710 and a mechanicalenergy emitting device 38720, each device 38710, 38720 configured toalter an electromagnetic energy relay path 38750 and a mechanical energyrelay path 38760, respectively.

In another embodiment, the wavelengths of any second energy frequencydomain may be substantially unaffected by the first energy frequencydomain. The combination of multiple energy devices on the two or moresecond surfaces of the energy relay and the one or more element typeswithin the one or more waveguide elements provides the ability tosubstantially propagate one or more energy domains through the energydevices, the energy relays, and the energy waveguides substantiallyindependently as required for a specified application.

In one embodiment, the energy waveguide 38700 may further include anelectromagnetic energy waveguide 38770 and a mechanical energy waveguide38780 assembled in a stacking configuration and coupled to asimultaneously integrated seamless energy surface 38730 similar to thatdescribed above. In operation, the energy waveguide 38700 is able topropagate energy paths such that all the energy is able to convergeabout a same location 38790.

In some embodiments, this waveguide 38700 may be a single relay elementwith a bidirectional energy surface, one interlaced segment to propagateenergy, and a second interlaced segment to receive energy at the energysurface. In this fashion, this may be repeated for every energy relaymodule in the system to produce a bidirectional energy surface.

FIG. 38C illustrates an orthogonal view of an implementation 38140 as afurther embodiment of FIG. 37 and comprises the energy relay of FIG. 38Awith a viewer at location L1 and time T1, with converging rays along apath through a waveguide and to energy coordinates P1, and where aviewer moves to location L2 at time T2, with rays converging along apath through a waveguide and to energy coordinates P2, and where each ofthe plurality of energy coordinates P1 and P2 are formed on a first sideof an energy relay surface and includes two interwoven second relaysurfaces and provides a first energy sensing device and a second energyemitting device to both sense movement and interaction within theviewing volume through the energy waveguide as well as emit energythrough the same energy relay and energy waveguide resulting in thevisible change to energy emitted from time and location T1, L1 to T2,L2, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the system 38140 may include energy devices 38820where one set of energy devices are configured for energy emission 38810and another set of energy devices are configured for energy sensing38830. This embodiment may further include a plurality of relaycombining elements 38840 configured to provide a single seamless energysurface 38850. Optionally, a plurality of waveguides 38860 may bedisposed in front of the energy surface 38850. In operation, asdiscussed above, the system 38840 may provide simultaneousbi-directional energy sensing or emission with interactive control withthe propagated energy at T1 38870, and modified propagated energy at T238880, in response to sensed movement between T1, L1 and T2, L2.

Further embodiments of FIG. 38C include compound systems wherein theenergy relay system having more than two second surfaces, and whereinthe energy devices may be all of a differing energy domain, and whereineach of the energy devices may each receive or emit energy through afirst surface of the energy relay system.

FIG. 39 illustrates a further compound system 38140 of FIG. 38A with anorthogonal view of an embodiment where a viewer is at location L1 attime T1, with converging rays along a path through a waveguide and toenergy coordinates P1, and wherein a viewer moves to location L2 at timeT2, with rays converging along a path through a waveguide and to energycoordinates P2, and wherein each of the plurality of energy coordinatesP1 and P2 are formed on a first side of an energy relay surface andcomprises three second relay surfaces having a first mechanical energyemitting device, a second energy emitting device and a third energysensing device, wherein the energy waveguide emits both mechanical andenergy through the first surface of the energy relay allowing the thirdenergy sensing device to detect interference from the known emittedenergy to the sensed received data, and wherein the mechanical energyemission results in the ability to directly interact with the emittedenergy, the mechanical energy converging to produce tactile sensation,the energy converging to produce visible illumination, and the energyemitted at T1, L1 to T2, L2 is modified to respond to the tactileinteraction between the viewer and the emitted energy, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the system 38140 may include an ultrasonic energyemission device 39910, an electromagnetic energy emission device 39920,and an electromagnetic sensing device 39930. This embodiment may furtherinclude a plurality of relay combining elements 39940 configured toprovide a single seamless energy surface 39950. Optionally, a pluralityof waveguides 39970 may be disposed in front of the energy surface39950.

The one or more energy devices may be independently paired withtwo-or-more-path relay combiners, beam splitters, prisms, polarizers, orother energy combining methodology, to pair at least two energy devicesto the same portion of the energy surface. The one or more energydevices may be secured behind the energy surface, proximate to anadditional component secured to the base structure, or to a location infront and outside of the FOV of the waveguide for off-axis direct orreflective projection or sensing. The resulting energy surface providesfor bidirectional transmission of energy and the waveguide convergeenergy waves onto the energy device to sense relative depth, proximity,images, color, sound, and other energy, and wherein the sensed energy isprocessed to perform machine vision related tasks including, but notlimited to, 4D eye and retinal tracking through the waveguide array,energy surface and to the energy sensing device.

In operation, as discussed above, the system 38140 may providesimultaneous bi-directional energy sensing or emission with interactivecontrol with the propagated energy at T1 39960, propagated haptics at T139980, and modified propagated energy at T2 39990, in response to sensedinterference of propagated energy emission from sensed movement andultrasonic haptic response between T1, L1 and T2, L2.

FIG. 40 illustrates an embodiment of pairing one or more energy devices40010 to additional components (e.g., relay elements 40000 configured toform a single seamless energy surface 40020) where a viewer is atlocation L1, with converging rays along a path through a waveguide 40030and to energy coordinates P1, and where each of the plurality of energycoordinates P1 are formed on a first side of an energy relay surface40020 corresponding to one or more devices E1, and where the waveguideor relay surface provides an additional reflective or diffractiveproperty and propagated haptics 40060, where the reflective ordiffractive property substantially does not affect the propagation ofrays at coordinates P1.

In one embodiment, the reflective or diffractive property commensuratefor the energy of additional off-axis energy devices E2 40035A, 40035B,each of devices E2 40035A, 40035B containing an additional waveguide andenergy relay, each additional energy relay containing two or more secondsurfaces, each with a sensing or emitting device respectively withcorresponding energy coordinates P2 propagating through a similar volumeas P1. In one embodiment, reflective or diffractive energy can propagatethrough the devices of E2 40050.

In another embodiment, an additional system out of the field of view inrespect to the first E1 and second E2 waveguide elements comprise anadditional system E3 40040A, 40040B having additional waveguide andrelay elements, the relay elements having two second surfaces and onefirst surface, the second surfaces receiving energy from both focusedemitting and sensing energy devices.

In one embodiment, the E3 waveguide elements 40040A, 40040B areconfigured to propagate energy 40070 directly through a desired volume,the desired volume corresponding to the path of energy coordinates P1and P2, and forming additional energy coordinates P3 passing through theE3 system 40040A, 40040B, each of the E1, E2 and E3 sensing and emittingdevices configured to detect interference from the known emitted energyto the sensed received data.

In some embodiments, the mechanical energy emission results in theability to directly interact with the emitted energy, the mechanicalenergy converging to produce tactile sensation, the energy converging toproduce visible illumination, and the energy emitted is modified torespond to the tactile interaction between the viewer and the emittedenergy, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Various components within the architecture may be mounted in a number ofconfigurations to include, but not limit, wall mounting, table mounting,head mounting, curved surfaces, non-planar surfaces, or otherappropriate implementation of the technology.

FIGS. 38A, B, C, 39 and 40 illustrate an embodiment wherein the energysurface and the waveguide may be operable to emit, reflect, diffract orconverge frequencies to induce tactile sensation or volumetric hapticfeedback.

FIGS. 38A, B, C, 39 and 40 illustrates a bidirectional energy surfacecomprising (a) a base structure; (b) one or more components collectivelyforming an energy surface; (c) one or more energy devices; and (d) oneor more energy waveguides. The energy surface, devices, and waveguidesmay mount to the base structure and prescribe an energy waveguide systemcapable of bidirectional emission and sensing of energy through theenergy surface.

In an embodiment, the resulting energy display system provides for theability to both display and capture simultaneously from the sameemissive surface with waveguides designed such that light field data maybe projected by an illumination source through the waveguide andsimultaneously received through the same energy device surface withoutadditional external devices.

Further, the tracked positions may actively calculate and steer light tospecified coordinates to enable variable imagery and other projectedfrequencies to be guided to prescribed application requirements from thedirect coloration between the bidirectional surface image and projectioninformation.

An embodiment of FIGS. 38A, B, C, 39 and 40 wherein the one or morecomponents are formed to accommodate any surface shape, includingplanar, spherical, cylindrical, conical, faceted, tiled, regular,non-regular, or any other geometric shape for a specified application.

An embodiment of FIGS. 38A, B, C, 39 and 40 wherein the one or morecomponents comprise materials that induce transverse Andersonlocalization.

In one embodiment, an energy system configured to direct energyaccording to a four-dimensional (4D) plenoptic function includes aplurality of energy devices; an energy relay system having one or moreenergy relay elements, where each of the one or more energy relayelements includes a first surface and a second surface, the secondsurface of the one or more energy relay elements being arranged to forma singular seamless energy surface of the energy relay system, and wherea first plurality of energy propagation paths extend from the energylocations in the plurality of energy devices through the singularseamless energy surface of the energy relay system. The energy systemfurther includes an energy waveguide system having an array of energywaveguides, where a second plurality of energy propagation paths extendfrom the singular seamless energy surface through the array of energywaveguides in directions determined by a 4D plenoptic function. In oneembodiment, the singular seamless energy surface is operable to bothprovide and receive energy therethrough.

In one embodiment, the energy system is configured to direct energyalong the second plurality of energy propagation paths through theenergy waveguide system to the singular seamless energy surface, and todirect energy along the first plurality of energy propagation paths fromthe singular seamless energy surface through the energy relay system tothe plurality of energy devices.

In another embodiment, the energy system is configured to direct energyalong the first plurality of energy propagation paths from the pluralityof energy devices through the energy relay system to the singularseamless energy surface, and to direct energy along the second pluralityof energy propagation paths from the singular seamless energy surfacethrough the energy waveguide system.

In some embodiments, the energy system is configured to sense relativedepth, proximity, images, color, sound and other electromagneticfrequencies, and where the sensed energy is processed to perform machinevision related to 4D eye and retinal tracking. In other embodiments, thesingular seamless energy surface is further operable to both display andcapture simultaneously from the singular seamless energy surface withthe energy waveguide system designed such that light field data may beprojected by the plurality of energy devices through the energywaveguide system and simultaneously received through the same singularseamless energy surface.

Energy Fields Applied to 3D Printing

3D printing, sometimes also referred to as additive manufacturing, hasgained massive popularity in recent years due to advances in the qualityand accessibility of 3D printing technology, as well as interest in theversatile and wide-ranging applications. Rapid prototyping is oneexample of a popular application. However, 3D printing, as a viablemanufacturing medium, is far from ideal. It is plagued by manychallenges that have kept 3D printing from becoming a replacement formore conventional manufacturing methodologies. For example, while 3Dprinting excels at quickly manufacturing complex, small-scale objects orparts, larger-scale designs require excessive build times due to thelayer-by-layer development methodology, which also requires moreexpensive and more complex 3D printing systems. Presently disclosed aredevices and systems using four-dimensional (4D) energy-field generationto drastically improve the processing efficiency and speed of 3Dprinting technology.

One of the primary methods used for 3D printing is calledstereo-lithography. Photo-polymerization is primarily used instereo-lithography to produce a solid part from a liquid. In thisprocess, a liquid photopolymer can be selectively exposed toelectromagnetic energy in a controlled setting. Upon exposure, theexposed liquid polymer subsequently hardens into solid form. Theunderlying process can occur on a microscopic scale involving monomersor oligomers in the photopolymer rearranging and cross-linking inresponse to the electromagnetic energy exposure. This results in apolymeric complex with new material properties.

In conventional 3D printing systems, a single “layer” of photopolymer isexposed to light, which then hardens from liquid into solid. Next, the“layer” is moved (usually upwards) away from the exposure plane (orstage), and a new pattern of light exposure is imposed on the liquidthat moves in to fill the void. The next layer of photopolymer can thenbe developed and, effectively, added to the previously exposed layers.Thus, an object can be built layer by layer using this method. However,larger objects may require many layers, which can take many iterationsand a lot of time.

3D printing technologies need to improve their speed and accuracy. Lightfield and energy field devices can do both. Through the collimation ofbeams of light, or potentially other types of energy, converging withina vat of photopolymer, it is possible to simultaneously expose thephotopolymer at a plurality of locations that define an object'ssurface. Energy can be converged at points that define fine details andat locations—like points behind obstructions—that cannot be reached withother technologies. Through computational control, a model, or a lightfield representation of the object can be provided. A computationalcontroller may subsequently determine where to project energy to formthe necessary surface. The process may additionally include movement ofeither or both the light field display or the photopolymer vat to enablehigher resolutions or detail as necessary. This can also be controlledby the computational system. Additionally, more than one light field orenergy field device may be coordinated in parallel to enable fasterobject creation, or to provide a greater depth of field for back surfaceobject construction.

FIG. 41 illustrates an embodiment of a three-dimensional (3D) printingsystem 41100 of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the 3Dprinting system 41100 includes a plurality of energy locations 41102.Different embodiments may employ different types of energy sources, ordifferent combinations of types of energy sources. Any energy source ofthis disclosure may be used in different embodiments, as well as otherenergy sources known in the art. FIG. 41 is provided for illustrativepurposes and does not limit the embodiments of this disclosure.

In an embodiment, the 3D printing system 41000 includes an energy-sourcesystem 41137. In one embodiment, the energy-source system 41137 mayinclude a plurality of energy sources. In operation, the energy sourcesmay provide energy to the energy locations 41102. In some embodiments,the energy locations 41102 may be located at the same location as theenergy sources. In an embodiment, one or more energy locations 41102 maybe located at the surface of energy sources.

In one embodiment, the energy-source system 41137 may further include arelay system similar to that shown in FIG. 3 for guiding energy from anenergy source 310 through the relay to a plurality of energy locationson a surface 350 of the relay. As will be appreciated, the energy-sourcesystem may include other relays in other embodiments including but notlimited to the relays depicted in FIGS. 3-5, 7A, 7B, 14-16, 20-21, and38A-C. Other relays known in the art may also be used in theseembodiments. Unless specifically noted otherwise, all the embodiments ofthe energy-source system may be combined with all the embodiment of the3D printing system of this disclosure. As will be appreciated differentembodiments may utilize different types of energy including but notlimited electromagnetic, mechanical, or acoustical energy, similar tothose discussed herein, among other types of energy sources.

In one embodiment, the energy-source system 41137 can be configured toprovide energy to a plurality of energy locations 41102, theenergy-source system 41137 further having a plurality of energy sources.

In one embodiment, the 3D printing system 41100 may further include aprint-medium receptacle 41104 configured to hold a quantity of printmedium 41106. Different embodiments of the 3D printing system 41100 mayuse different types of print medium 41106. Likewise, differentembodiments of the 3D printing system 41100 may use different types ofprint-medium receptacles 41104. It will be appreciated that differenttypes of print medium 41106 may require different types of print-mediumreceptacles 41104, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the print medium 41106 may be a photosensitivematerial that hardens when exposed to light. A photopolymer is oneexample of one such type of print medium 41106. In other embodiments, aphoto-resistant material may be used as the print-medium 41106. And, instill other embodiments, materials that are sensitive or resistant toother types of energy may be used as print medium 41106. In someembodiments, the 3D printing system 41100 may be configured to switchbetween at least two modes allowing different types of print medium41106 to be used in different modes. In another embodiment, the 3Dprinting system 41100 may be limited to a single mode having a singleprint medium 41106 and a single print-medium receptacle 41104. In otherembodiments, the 3D printing system 41100 may have three or more modeswith same numbers of print medium 41106 and corresponding print-mediumreceptacles 41104.

In one embodiment, the 3D printing system 41100 may include at least oneenergy-directing system 41108. Different types of energy-directingsystems 41108 may be used in different embodiments. Furthermore, any ofthe energy waveguide systems of this disclosure, or otherenergy-directing systems of this disclosure, may be used in differentembodiments. Some embodiments may also combine different types ofenergy-directing systems into a single energy-directing system 41108.

In some embodiments, the at least one energy-directing system 41108includes an array of waveguides 41114 configured to direct energy fromthe plurality of energy locations 41102 of the energy-source system41137 along a plurality of propagation paths 41112. In these instances,each propagation path 41112 extends through one of a plurality of energylocations 41102 of the energy-source system 41137. Different types ofwaveguides may be used in the array of waveguides 41114 in differentembodiments. Different types of waveguides may be used for differentembodiments and for different types of energy source. All of thewaveguides of this disclosure can be used in some embodiments includingbut not limited to waveguides having first apertures, energy inhibitingelements, and baffles, as well as additional waveguides depicted forillustrative purposes in FIGS. 23-32.

In some embodiments, the array of waveguides 41114 may include differentcombinations of different types of waveguides as disclosed herein. Inother embodiments, the array of waveguides 41114 may include differentcombinations of different types of waveguides known in the art alone, orin combination, with waveguides of this disclosure. And, as mentionedearlier in this disclosure, FIG. 41 is used for illustrative purposesonly and does not limit the embodiments of this disclosure. For example,in some embodiments the plurality of propagation paths 41112 may includeadditional propagation paths not shown in FIG. 41 but disclosedthroughout herein. Additional embodiments of this disclosure may alsoinclude additional energy locations, waveguides and other elements notshown in FIG. 41 but disclosed throughout herein.

In some embodiments, the array of waveguides 41114 may be assembled froma plurality of modular 4D energy-field packages where each modular 4Denergy-field package includes at least one waveguide of the waveguidearray 41114, and a subset of energy locations of the plurality of energylocations 41102.

In some embodiments, the waveguides of the array of waveguides 41114 maybe configured to direct energy from the plurality of energy locations41102 through the waveguides along a plurality of propagation paths41112. Each propagation path may correspond, at least partially, to anenergy source location 41102 relative to a waveguide of the array ofwaveguides 41114. Each propagation path 41112 may also extend from awaveguide of the array of waveguides 41114 in a unique directiondetermined at least by the location of the corresponding energy sourcelocations 41102 of the energy-source system 41137 relative to theassociated waveguide 41114.

For example, in an embodiment, a first propagation path may extend froma first waveguide 41117 at angle at least determined by a first energylocation 41119. In another embodiment, additional propagation paths mayextend from the first waveguide 41117, but no other propagation pathsmay extend from the first waveguide 41117 at the same angle as the firstpropagation path. In yet another embodiment, no two propagation pathsmay extend from the same waveguide at the same angle. In some instances,each unique direction can also be determined by other factors.

The propagation paths 41112 may form a plurality of intersection points41122, which are energy convergence points. FIG. 41 shows some of thepossible propagation paths 41112 and intersection points 41122, but itis understood that many more propagation paths, locations, directions,combinations, and path intersection points are possible. For instance,it is possible for more than two propagation paths 41112 to intersect atany location within the print medium 41106.

In some embodiments, each one of the locations of the plurality ofenergy waveguides 41114 defines a two-dimensional (2D) spatialcoordinate. In other embodiments, each unique direction associated witheach of the plurality of propagation paths 41112 may include atwo-dimensional (2D) angular coordinate, whereby the 2D spatialcoordinate and the 2D angular coordinate may form a four-dimensional(4D) coordinate set.

Energy waveguide systems allowing these types of embodiments have beendiscussed previously in this disclosure using at least FIGS. 22-23 asnon-limiting, demonstrative examples. And, in some embodiments, theenergy-directing system 41108 of the 3D printing system 41100 includesan energy waveguide system that allows the 2D spatial coordinate and the2D angular coordinate to form a 4D light field coordinate set asillustrated in FIG. 23. In some embodiments, the plurality ofintersections 41122 of the propagation paths 41112, including theintersections 41112, may be determined by a four-dimensional (4D) lightfield function. The embodiments discussed in this paragraph can becombined with other embodiments throughout this disclosure unlessspecifically stated otherwise.

In some embodiments, waveguide of the array of waveguides 41114 mayinclude a first aperture and energy directed along each firstpropagation path through one of the waveguides may substantially fillthe first aperture of the same waveguide. Embodiments of the firstaperture are discussed elsewhere in this disclosure at least withreference to FIG. 22 (22134) and FIG. 25 (25330). In some embodiments,the energy-directing system 41108 includes a plurality of energyinhibiting elements positioned to limit propagation of energy along aportion of the plurality of propagation paths that do not extend throughone of the first apertures of one of the waveguides. In someembodiments, each of the energy inhibiting elements includes a bafflestructure for attenuating or modifying energy propagation paths asdiscussed elsewhere in this disclosure. Embodiments of the energyinhibiting element are discussed at least with reference to FIGS. 24A-Habove.

In some embodiments, the energy-directing system 41108 includes at leastone relay system. Relay systems have been discussed at length throughoutthis disclosure including but not limited to those referenced in FIGS.15, 16, and 19-21. Additionally, the energy-directing system 41108 mayinclude any of the relay systems of this disclosure or others known inthe art. And, as already mentioned, the energy-source system 41137 mayinclude a relay system to transfer energy from an energy source 310 toenergy locations on a second side 350 of a relay similar to that shownin FIG. 3 and discussed above.

In some embodiments, a relay system may include one or more relayelements, where each of the one or more relay elements includes a firstsurface and a second surface, the one or more relay elements configuredto direct energy emitted by a plurality of energy sources along aplurality of propagation paths through the first and second surfaces tothe plurality of energy locations 41102 shown in FIG. 41. In someembodiments, the second surfaces of the one or more relay elements maybe arranged to form a singular seamless energy surface as described inmore detail elsewhere in this disclosure.

Some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 41, also include a controlsystem 41118 in communication with the energy-source system 41137. Thecontrol system 41118 can be configured to cause the array or arrays ofwaveguides 41114 of the at least one energy-directing system 41108 todeliver energy at a threshold intensity level to a plurality of selectedintersections 41120 of the plurality of all the intersections 41122 ofpropagation paths 41112 by operating the plurality of energy sources41102 to provide energy passing through waveguides 41114.

In some embodiments, the print medium 41106 may be configured to reactwhen exposed to energy at the threshold intensity level. As mentionedabove, the print medium 41106 may include different materials indifferent embodiments. Some embodiments of print medium 41106 may hardenwhen exposed to a threshold intensity level of some kind of energysource, like for example a liquid photopolymer, among other materials.In other embodiments, the print medium 41106 may degrade when exposed toa threshold intensity level from an energy source. Accordingly,embodiments of the 3D printing system 41100 may be configured toconverge energy into the print medium 41106 at a plurality of selectedintersections of propagation paths 41120 to cause the print medium 41106to harden into a desired form. Some embodiments may include a drain41121 to remove unexposed portions of print medium 41106. And, in otherembodiments, the three-dimensional printing system 41100 may beconfigured to converge energy into the print medium 41106 to cause theprint medium 41106 to degrade exposed portions of the print medium41106. The degraded portions of print medium 41106 can then be removedfrom the desired three-dimensional object. Some embodiments of the 3Dprinting system 41100 may be configured to perform both these functionsof hardening or degrading the print medium in different modes. And, someembodiments may be provided with a means to switch from one function toanother.

In some embodiments, the selected intersections 41120 may define theplurality of exterior and interior surfaces of a three-dimensional(“3D”) print object 41124 located inside the print-medium receptacle41104. The set of selected intersections 41120 of propagation paths41112 may vary in size and location based on many factors including butnot limited to the type of print medium, and the type, size, andcomplexity of the 3D object 41124 to be printed. Also, in someembodiments, energy may be added to intersections of propagation pathsby turning on or increasing the energy of the corresponding energysource locations 41102 and similarly decreased by turning off ordecreasing the intensity of the corresponding energy source locations.For example, any of the intersections of propagation paths 41122 maybeadded or subtracted from the set of selected intersections 41120 byincreasing or decreasing the amount of energy delivered along thepropagation paths 41112 that converge at any given intersection 41122 ofpropagation paths 41112. In other embodiments, increasing the energydelivered along propagation paths 41112 at selected intersections 41120may cause the energy at that location to raise to the thresholdintensity level and cause the print medium 41106 to harden at thatselected location or selected intersection.

In some embodiments, the control system 41118 may be configured tooperate the plurality of energy sources to reduce the energy deliveredto at least one selected intersection of the plurality of selectedintersections 41120 to below the threshold intensity level. In otherembodiments, the control system 41118 may be configured to add at leastone selected intersection to the plurality of selected intersections41120 by operating the plurality of energy sources to increase theenergy delivered to at the least one selected intersection to above thethreshold intensity level.

As previously noted, many energy source locations 41102 can contributeenergy to a convergence point within the print medium 41106. Therequired energy distribution for all energy sources 41102 may becomputationally determined dynamically to achieve the proper convergencepoints to deliver energy at the threshold intensity level to thesurfaces and the interior of print object 41124, and realize 3Dprinting. And, in some embodiments, energy can be added to selectedintersections or removed from selected intersections as the print-mediumreceptacle 41104 is being moved or controlled, or while the at least oneenergy-directing system 41108 is being moved or controlled. This allowsthe 3D printing system 41100 an additional way to control where theprint medium 41106 is exposed to the threshold intensity level, which inturn, can improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the system41100. An additional advantage of this approach is that theenergy-directing system 41108 may be optimized to have a denserprojection of energy rays over a smaller volume than the full volume ofthe print receptacle 41104.

The addition and subtraction of energy to intersections of propagationpaths may be done on an individual basis or in groups. For example, insome embodiments, energy may be added or subtracted from any one of theselected intersection points 41120 of propagation paths 41112 byadjusting the energy of any one of the corresponding energy sourcelocations 41102, so that only one path at a time is adjusted. This maybe advantageous if having too many simultaneous propagation paths ofenergy would expose unintended locations of the print medium 41106 thatare not part of the selected intersection points 41120. Otherembodiments combine these operations to simultaneously add or subtractenergy from several propagation paths 41112 at the same time to adjustthe energy at the corresponding set of selected intersections 41120. Andin still other embodiments, energy may be adjusted for all of the firstpropagation paths 41112 simultaneously, affecting the full set ofselected intersections 41120 all at the same time. This option may allowfor rapid 3D printing. Like above, these embodiments may be combinedwith other embodiments of this disclosure unless specifically denotedotherwise.

In one embodiment, the print-medium receptacle 41104 may rest on a base41126. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 42A, the base 42126of the 3D printing system 42100 may include a positioning device 42127in communication with the control system 42118 where the control system42118 may be configured to operate the positioning device 42127 tochange the location of the print-medium receptacle 42104 with respect tothe at least one energy-directing system 42108. Different embodimentsmay use different devices as the positioning device 42127 to move thebase 42126. Many types of positioning devices are known in the art, andcan be combined with the embodiments of this disclosure. Examples ofpositioning devices that can be used include, but are not limited to,motorized translation stages, linear translation stages, rotationalstages, tilt stage, and goniometric stages, among mechanical andelectromechanical stages. The movement of the positioning device 42127can allow an increase in print resolution compared to the use of theenergy-directing system 42108 alone. In some embodiments, thepositioning device 42127 may include a 5-axis stage having threetranslation stages and two rotational stages. In other embodiments, thestage of the positioning device 42127 may include fewer or moretranslation/rotational stages.

In some embodiments, as depicted for illustrative purposes in FIGS. 42Aand 42B, the operation of the positioning device 42127 and, consequentmovement of the print-medium receptacle 42104, can move the plurality ofselected intersections 42120 of propagation paths 42112 relative to theprint medium 42106. FIG. 42A depicts a first position of the pluralityof selected intersections 42120 relative to the print medium 42106. FIG.42B depicts the plurality of selected intersections 42120 in a secondposition relative to the print medium 42106. Note that the samenumbering scheme is used to illustrate FIG. 42A and FIG. 42B. Thismovement of the print medium receptacle 42104 relative the selectedplurality of intersections 42120 further defines the interior andexterior surfaces of the 3D object 42124. In this way, the movement ofthe positioning device 42127 for controlling the movement of the base42126 cooperates with the set of selected intersections 42122 ofpropagation paths 42112 to deliver energy at the threshold energy level,which will cause the print medium 42106 to react so a 3D object can beformed. This cooperation may allow quicker printing operation, betteraccuracy, and more precise resolution, among other benefits. Thepositioning device 42127, which controls movement of the base 42126, canalso allow movement of the print-medium receptacle 42104 in anydirection in a three-dimensional (3D) space, e.g., movement in the X-,Y- or Z-directions.

In some embodiments, the energy at the threshold intensity level mayconverge at the plurality of selected intersections 42120 as thepositioning device 42127 moves the print-medium receptacle 42104. Thisallows the set of selected intersections 42120 to trace a trail ofexposure through the print medium 42106. In other embodiments, this typeof movement by operating the positioning device 42127 for controllingthe base 42126, may be allowed. In yet some other embodiments, this typeof movement by moving the at least one energy-directing system 42108 mayalso be allowed. And, other embodiments may move the at least oneenergy-directing system 42108 and operate the positioning device 42127to move the base 42126. In other words, combinations of movementsthereof may be utilized. In some embodiments of the 3D print system42100, the energy-directing system 42108 may deliver energy to selectedintersections 42120 of propagation paths 42112 when neither theprint-medium receptacle 42104 nor the energy-directing system 42108 isin motion. In some embodiments, the plurality of selected intersections42120 may be disposed on a volume substantially smaller than the volumeof the print receptacle 42104.

In some embodiments, like as depicted in FIGS. 43A-B, an entire firstplurality of selected intersections 43135 (from FIG. 43A) may bereplaced with a second plurality of selected intersections 43120 (fromFIG. 43B) that further define the interior and exterior surfaces of the3D object 43124 inside the receptacle 43104, and expose additionalportions of the print medium 43106 to the threshold intensity level. Inother embodiments, the second plurality of intersections 43128 (in FIG.43B) may be sustained at the threshold intensity after the secondplurality of selected intersections 43120 is introduced. In someembodiments, the energy delivered to the second plurality of selectedintersections 43120 by the energy-directing system 43108 may be reducedto a level below the threshold intensity level. The second plurality ofselected intersections 43120 may be replaced with a third plurality ofselected intersections (not shown) further defining the 3D holographicobject 42124. And, additional pluralities may be added or removedindefinitely until the 3D printing process is complete. This can occurdynamically or iteratively. And in some embodiments, selectedintersections may also be grouped more or less densely depending on theprecision needed for forming the 3D object.

Embodiments allowing movement each of the energy-directing system 43108,the print-medium receptacle 43104, or both, can be combined with otherembodiments of this disclosure unless specifically stated otherwise. Forexample, selected intersections can be added to, or subtracted from, theplurality of selected intersections 43120 as the print-medium receptacle43104 is moved, which can further improve efficiency, accuracy, andresolution of the three-dimensional printing system 43100. FIGS. 42A-Band FIGS. 43A-B do not limit the embodiments of this disclosure and arefor illustrative purposes only.

FIG. 44 illustrates an embodiment 44100 where the control system 44118may be configured to move the at least one energy-directing system 44108from position 44131 to position 44129 shifting the plurality of selectedintersections of propagation paths from the set of locations 44120 to asecond plurality of locations 44128 that further define the plurality ofinterior and exterior surfaces of the three dimensional object 44124.The at least one energy-directing system 44108 may be moved in anydirection in three-dimensional space. Movement of the at least oneenergy-directing system 44108 can provide the same advantages offered bymovement of the print-medium receptacle 44104 described elsewhere inthis disclosure. And, the plurality of selected intersections 44120 mayalso be operated in any of the ways described elsewhere in thisdisclosure. The movement of the energy-directing system 44108 cancooperate with the plurality of selected intersections 44120 to deliverenergy at the threshold intensity level to different locations whichwill cause the print medium 44106 to react so a 3D object can be formed.This cooperation may allow quicker printing operation, better accuracy,and more precise resolution. Cooperation is also possible between allthe different elements of the three-dimensional printing system 44100 ofthis disclosure. For example, as the at least one of theenergy-directing system 44108, the print-medium receptacle 44104, orboth are moved, as described elsewhere in this disclosure, energy may bedelivered to dynamically changing sets of selected intersections thatare being dynamically manipulated in coordination with any movement tomaximize the efficiency and accuracy of the printing system 44100. Insome instances, energy and/or movement may also be deliverediteratively. FIG. 44 is intended for illustrative purposes and does notlimit the embodiments of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the set of selected intersections of allpropagation paths 44112 may converge energy at the threshold intensitylevel as the at least one energy-directing system 44108 is moved, sothat these intersections trace a trail of exposure through the printmedium 44106 as described in more detail elsewhere in this disclosure.For example, the set of selected intersections 44120 may converge energyat the threshold intensity level as the at least one energy-directingsystem 44108 is moved so the set of selected intersections 44120 trace atrail of exposure through the print medium 44106, as described in moredetail elsewhere in the disclosure. Some embodiments may also allow theenergy delivered to selected intersection of the plurality of selectedintersections 44120 to be increased or decreased by adjusting the energyat the corresponding energy source locations 44102 as the at least oneenergy-directing system 44108 moves. In other embodiments, the set ofselected intersections 44120 may only deliver energy at the thresholdintensity level when the at least one energy-directing system 44108 isnot in motion. And, these different embodiments can be combined withother embodiments of this disclosure. As an example, the energy at theset of selected intersections 44120 of first propagation paths can beadded or subtracted by adjusting the energy at the corresponding energysource locations 44102 as the at least one energy-directing system 44108is moved, which can further improve efficiency, accuracy, andresolution. Embodiments that move the at least one energy directingsystem 44108 can also be combined with the various embodiments having apositioning device 42127 as discussed with reference to FIGS. 42A-B.FIG. 44 does not limit the embodiments of this disclosure and is forillustrative purposes. Also, unless specifically stated otherwise theseembodiments can be combined with the other embodiments of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 45 depicts an embodiment of a three-dimensional printing system45100 having a first energy-directing system 45108A and a second energydirecting system 45108B. In some embodiments, multiple energy-directingsystems 45108A, 45108B can allow for more robust sets of selectedintersections 45120A, 45120B. And, in some embodiments, additionalenergy-directing systems may allow the three-dimensional printing system45100 to deliver energy at a threshold intensity level to additionalsets of selected intersections. For example, in FIG. 45, intersections45122A, 45122B may be generated from the intersection of propagationpaths 45112A from energy directing system 45108A and propagation paths45112B that originate from the energy directing system 45108B. Forexample, selected intersection points 45120A and 4120B, which arecoincident with the surface of print object 45124 and result from usingtwo energy-directing systems 45108A and 45108B, may be more numerousthan the number of selected intersection points 41120 that arecoincident with print object 41124 and result from using oneenergy-directing system shown in FIG. 41.

Some embodiments allow the control system 45118 to operate the firstenergy-directing system 45108A and the second energy-directing system45108B. The first energy-directing system 45108A and the secondenergy-directing system 45108B can be operated simultaneously orindependently. In some embodiments both the first energy-directingsystem 45108A and the second energy-directing system 45108B can be movedas discussed elsewhere in this disclosure. This dual movement allowscooperation with both sets of selected intersections 45120A, 45120B todeliver energy at the threshold intensity level to different locationswhich will cause the print medium 45106 to react so a 3D object can beformed. This cooperation may allow even quicker printing operation,better accuracy, and more precise resolution. Thus, a secondenergy-directing system 45108B can enhance these advantages. Theseembodiments can also be combined with embodiments having a positioningdevice (not shown in this FIG. 45) applied to base 45126, allowingmovement of the print medium receptacle 45104. The energy-directingsystems 45108A, 45108B of these embodiments can include any of theenergy-directing system embodiments of this disclosure. And, in someembodiments, the first energy-directing system 45108A and the secondenergy-directing system 45108B may include different types ofenergy-directing systems. Embodiments of two energy-directing systemscan be combined with other embodiments of this disclosure unlessspecifically stated otherwise. And, one skilled in the art willappreciate that other embodiments may include additionalenergy-directing systems. FIG. 45 is for illustrative purposes and doesnot limit the embodiments of this disclosure.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been described above, it should be understood that they havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not limiting. Thus, thebreadth and scope of the invention(s) should not be limited by any ofthe above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only inaccordance with the claims and their equivalents issuing from thisdisclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are providedin described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of suchissued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all ofthe above advantages.

It will be understood that the principal features of this disclosure canbe employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerousequivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Suchequivalents are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure andare covered by the claims.

Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistencywith the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provideorganizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize theinvention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure.Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a“Field of Invention,” such claims should not be limited by the languageunder this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, adescription of technology in the “Background of the Invention” sectionis not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art toany invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to beconsidered a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issuedclaims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” inthe singular should not be used to argue that there is only a singlepoint of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be setforth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing fromthis disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s),and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, thescope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light ofthis disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forthherein.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims isused to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer toalternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, althoughthe disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternativesand “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used toindicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for thedevice, the method being employed to determine the value, or thevariation that exists among the study subjects. In general, but subjectto the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modifiedby a word of approximation such as “about” may vary from the statedvalue by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, un-recitedelements or method steps.

Words of comparison, measurement, and timing such as “at the time,”“equivalent,” “during,” “complete,” and the like should be understood tomean “substantially at the time,” “substantially equivalent,”“substantially during,” “substantially complete,” etc., where“substantially” means that such comparisons, measurements, and timingsare practicable to accomplish the implicitly or expressly stated desiredresult. Words relating to relative position of elements such as “near,”“proximate to,” and “adjacent to” shall mean sufficiently close to havea material effect upon the respective system element interactions. Otherwords of approximation similarly refer to a condition that when somodified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect butwould be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the artto warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent towhich the description may vary will depend on how great a change can beinstituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognizethe modified feature as still having the required characteristics andcapabilities of the unmodified feature.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to allpermutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term.For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof is intended to include atleast one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important ina particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB.

Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations thatcontain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC,AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan willunderstand that typically there is no limit on the number of items orterms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein canbe made and executed without undue experimentation in light of thepresent disclosure. While the compositions and methods of thisdisclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may beapplied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such similarsubstitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art aredeemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims.

1. A three-dimensional printing system comprising: a print-medium receptacle configured to hold a quantity of print medium; an energy-source system configured to provide energy to a plurality of energy locations and comprising a plurality of energy sources; at least one energy-directing system wherein each energy-directing system comprises; an array of waveguides configured to direct energy from the plurality of energy locations along a plurality of propagation paths wherein each propagation paths extends through one of a plurality of energy locations; and wherein each waveguide is configured to direct energy from the plurality of energy locations through the waveguide along the plurality of propagation paths wherein each propagation path extends from the waveguide in a unique direction at least determined by one of the plurality of energy locations; a control system in communication with the energy-source system and configured to cause the array of waveguides of the at least one energy-directing system to deliver energy at a threshold intensity level to a plurality of selected intersections of a plurality of intersections of the plurality of propagation paths by operating the plurality of energy sources to provide energy along the plurality of propagation paths; wherein the print medium is configured to react when exposed to energy at the threshold intensity level; and wherein the plurality of selected intersections define a plurality of interior and exterior surfaces of a three-dimensional (“3D”) object inside the receptacle.
 2. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the print-medium receptacle rests on a base of a positioning device in communication with the control system wherein the control system is configured to operate the positioning device to change the location of the print-medium receptacle with respect to the at least one energy-directing system.
 3. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 2, wherein the operation of the positioning device moves the plurality of selected intersections relative to the print-medium receptacle to further define the plurality of interior and exterior surfaces of the three-dimensional object.
 4. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of selected intersections exposes the print medium to the threshold energy level as the positioning device moves the plurality of selected intersections relative to the print-medium receptacle.
 5. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 2, wherein the positioning device comprises at least one of a motorized translation stage, a linear translation stage, a rotational stage, a goniometric stage, a tilt stage, and a 5-axis stage having three translation stages and two rotational stages. 6-10. (canceled)
 11. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of selected intersections is disposed on a volume substantially smaller than the volume of the print receptacle.
 12. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the control system is operable to move the at least one energy-directing system thereby moving the plurality of selected intersections to further define the plurality of interior and exterior surfaces of the three-dimensional object.
 13. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of selected intersections exposes the print medium to the threshold energy as the plurality of selected intersections is moving.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to operate the plurality of energy sources to reduce the energy delivered to at least one selected intersection of the plurality of selected intersections to below the threshold intensity level.
 16. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to add at least one selected intersection to the plurality of selected intersections by operating the plurality of energy sources to increase the energy delivered to at the least one added selected intersection to the threshold intensity level.
 17. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein a location of each waveguide defines a two-dimensional (“2D”) spatial coordinate, and wherein the unique direction of each propagation path, determined at least by one of the plurality of energy locations, comprises a 2D angular coordinate, whereby the 2D spatial coordinate of the location of the waveguide from where each propagation path extends and the 2D angular coordinate of each propagation path to form a four-dimensional coordinate set for each propagation path.
 18. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to operate the plurality of energy sources to deliver energy at the threshold intensity level to at least one second plurality of selected intersections of the plurality of intersections of the plurality of propagation paths wherein the at least one second plurality of selected intersections further defines the plurality of interior and exterior surfaces of the 3D object inside the receptacle.
 19. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein each waveguide of the array of waveguides comprises a first aperture, and energy directed along each propagation path through the waveguide substantially fills the first aperture of the waveguide.
 20. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 19, wherein the at least one energy-directing system further comprises at least one energy-inhibiting element positioned to limit propagation of energy that does not extend through the first aperture of any of the waveguides, and wherein the at least one energy-inhibiting element comprises a baffle structure for attenuating or modifying energy on the plurality of propagation paths.
 21. (canceled)
 22. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the print medium comprises a liquid photopolymer configured to solidify when exposed to the threshold intensity level.
 23. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 22, wherein the print-medium receptacle further comprises a drain configured to permit unexposed liquid photopolymer to drain out of the print-medium receptacle thereby forming a three-dimensional object out of hardened liquid photopolymer exposed to the threshold intensity level.
 24. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of selected intersections is determined by a four-dimensional light field function.
 25. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1 wherein the energy-source system further comprises at least one relay system, wherein the at least one relay system comprises one or more relay elements, wherein the one or more relay elements comprises a first surface and a second surface, each relay of the or more relay elements configured to direct energy emitted by one or more energy sources from the first surface through the relay to a subset of energy locations of the plurality of energy locations disposed on the second surface, and wherein the second surface of the one or more relay elements is arranged to form a singular seamless energy surface.
 26. (canceled)
 27. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the array of waveguides is assembled from a plurality of modular four-dimensional energy-field packages wherein each modular four-dimensional energy-field package comprises at least one waveguide of the waveguide array, and a subset of energy locations of the plurality of energy locations.
 28. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one energy-directing system comprises two energy-directing systems. 